Ratnapura District SJB MP Hesha Withanage presented crucial documents in Parliament on Tuesday to substantiate his claims against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
The MP revealed an Executive Committee meeting minute, which he claims shows that SLC approved payments to the suspended Police Chief, Deshabandu Tennakoon.
According to Withanage, the SLC Executive Committee appointed Tennakoon, who was then serving as the Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Western Province, as an Advisor to the Security Consultant of Sri Lanka Cricket. The agreement, which began on August 16, 2021, included a monthly allowance of Rs. 150,000, 200 liters of fuel, a Rs. 5,000 mobile allowance, a laptop, a mobile phone, and medical insurance.
The MP’s move comes in response to SLC’s recent denial of the allegations, where the cricket board dismissed claims that Tennakoon had been paid or received any perks, labeling the accusations as baseless and false.
The controversy erupted when Withanage, during the Committee Stage debate of the third reading of the Head of Expenditure for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports linked to the 2025 Budget proposals, alleged that Tennakoon remained on the SLC payroll as of Tuesday, March 18.
Further criticizing the government, Withanage expressed concern over the lack of action to prevent the accused individuals from participating in the upcoming SLC elections on March 31. He accused the current Minister of Sports of backing a corrupt faction within SLC and pledged to pursue legal action on the matter.
“This denial by SLC is irrelevant,” Withanage stated. “We have a copy of the report approved by the Executive Committee.”
Leave a comment