BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has firmly dismissed recent media reports suggesting that the country’s cricket governing body is facing a financial crisis following the establishment of the Cricket Transformation Committee (CTC), describing such claims as “wholly false and misleading.”
In an official media statement released on Tuesday, SLC clarified that the newly formed Cricket Transformation Committee has been legally constituted under the authority granted to the Sports Minister through Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, as amended.
According to SLC, the formation of the committee legally transfers the administration, management, financial control, and operational responsibilities of the governing body to the appointed committee until a new Executive Committee is elected.
CTC Holds Full Legal Authority
The statement emphasised that the Transformation Committee possesses complete legal authority to oversee the affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket, including all financial operations and institutional obligations.
“SLC wishes to emphasise that the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee was established by the Sports Minister in the exercise of the powers vested in him under Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law,” the statement noted.
It further explained that once an order is issued under Section 32, the powers, functions, administration, management, and control of the institution — including finances and assets — are automatically vested with the committee appointed by the minister.
SLC also confirmed that the establishment of the committee has already been officially published through the Government Gazette, thereby validating its authority to act on behalf of Sri Lanka Cricket in all administrative and financial matters.
No Disruption to Financial Operations
Addressing speculation regarding operational instability, SLC strongly rejected suggestions that the governing body has become incapable of managing its finances or fulfilling its obligations following the appointment of the committee.
“In light of the above, SLC wishes to reiterate that reports suggesting that the game’s ruling body is unable to manage its finances or that its financial administration has been adversely hampered following the establishment of the CTC are wholly false and misleading,” the statement added.
The board further assured stakeholders that all day-to-day activities continue without interruption, including the settlement of payments and ongoing administrative operations.
Payments and Operations Continuing Normally
According to the statement, Sri Lanka Cricket continues to meet all financial commitments in a timely manner, including payments to employees, players, suppliers, service providers, and other stakeholders connected to the sport.
The clarification appears aimed at restoring confidence among cricket stakeholders amid heightened public discussion surrounding the recent governance changes within Sri Lanka Cricket.
The formation of the Transformation Committee marks a significant administrative development in Sri Lankan cricket, with authorities expected to oversee reforms and transitional governance until fresh elections are conducted for the sport’s governing body.