Thilanga meets new Sports Minister

Gamini Lokuge, who was appointed Sports and Recreation (Cabinet) Minister last week, said he was not ready to support any faction striving for control of local cricket administration.

Airing his views with diplomatic aplomb, after meeting Thilanga Sumathipala, president of the now dissolved Sri Lanka Cricket last morning at his Torrington Place office, Lokuge, who was Minster of Tourism of the 2001 UNP government, stressed that he would treat all parties without any favouritism and try to bring in harmony after discussions.

Meanwhile, Sumathipala, who accompanied his former ex-co members and representatives of some clubs, said after the meeting with Lokuge that he wanted to expose the injustices faced by member clubs due to the delay in holding board elections.

"He (Lokuge) promised to change the cricket administrative structure soon by appointing a special committee. There will surely be elections after the World Cup," Sumathipala said.

He added: "Members of fourteen districts and about thirty clubs were present today. We requested Minister Lokuge to have elections soon and to look into the financial problems of the present Interim Committee."

"I also think there should be democratically held elections in every sports administration. There are about 16 interim sports bodies at present. I have plans to hold elections, in associations that have no major problems, before March 31," Lokuge said.

"There are two factions with regard to cricket administration. Now I've heard the story of one of them and I hope to listen to the other side soon. But I've resolved not to take any step that would disturb our preparation for the forthcoming cricket World Cup," he added.

"I will consult President Mahinda Rajapakse on all important decisions," Lokuge added.