Hashan's reply on NCC's incident

The following is the statement issued by Sri Lanka Test cricketer Hashan Tillakaratne with regard to the incident that took place between him and former Sri Lanka cricketer and selector Sidath Wettimuny at the NCC grounds on August 22:

"On the 22nd of August, as a member of the NCC cricket team arrived at the NCC grounds at approximately 4.30 pm .As I was getting out of my car, I noticed Mr. Sidath Wettimuny drive up and park in the NCC car park .I went up to says hello, as a mark of respect for Mr Wettimuny as a senior cricketer and administrator.

When I got close to the vehicle, Mr. Wettimuny rolled down the window of the vehicle, and started insulting me by making derogatory comments about my friendship with Mr. Arjuna Ranatunga, and stating that the only reason I had ever played in my country for such a long time was because of Arjuna Ranatunga, and that it was no merit whatsoever of my own.

Mr. Wettimuny on a few occasions during the time we were together on the national pool (1985/86) had made reference to Mr.Arjuna Ranatunga's appointment as vice captain as being 'unfair' and claimed that he was not fit for the job. In 1991 when Mr. Wettimuny was coach of the Sri Lanka team, he hold me that Mr. Ranatunga was not a good captain and that he was "too dominating" and that be should be removed. On all these occasions, I had not agreed with Mr. Wettimuny, as I have and always will have a great respect and regard for Mr. Ranatunga.

From that time Mr. Wettimuny was not very happy with me, and started behaving as though he disliked me, I also assume that Mr. Ranatunga's comments regarding Mr Wettimuny during his farewell press conference that was broadcast live on television may have antagonized Mr. Wettimuny further.

When Mr. Wettimuny continued to verbally abuse me and insult me, I asked him what it was that I had done to make him so angry with me. Mr. Wettimuny also clearly stated that if he was still a national selector, that I would in no way have been given an opportunity to stage a come back into the Sri Lankan national side.

During our exchange our words the security guard at the NCC came up to Mr. Wettimuny and ask him to move his vehicle out of the NCC car park, as he was not a member, since I didn't want to get involved in this conversation at all, I left that area and went across to the dressing room to collect my boots for practice.

After collecting my boots. I proceeded towards the grounds. I was badly shaken up by Mr. Wettimuny's nasty comments and had forgotten to take my light bat out of the back of my car, and so I went back to the car to take my bat. When I reached my car, I was accosted again by Mr.Wettimuny who was with Mr.Rumesh Ratnayake. Mr. Wettimuny once again started verbally abusing and insulting me. I too asked him again what his problem was, and there was a heated exchange of words. In order to prevent a prolonged argument Mr. Rumesh Ratnayake, intervened with the intention of calming Mr. Wettamuny since he was becoming more and more aggressive.

Completely contrary to any statement and complaint made by Mr. Wettimuny I did not at any time try to nor threaten to physically abuse or assault him. The only issue, I at any time discussed with Mr. Wettimuny was to ask what it was that I had done turn him so bitter against me. I turned and left the place after telling Mr. Wettimuny "whatever the grievance you have against Sri Lanka cricket and its administration please don't take it out on me. Leave me alone".

If I have in anyway brought disrepute and/ or embarrassment to my club (NCC) its members or anyone else, I would like to place on record that this incident was in no way pre-meditated or intentional on my part and I am very sad that it ever took place. I verily believe that Mr. Wettimuny has made this false complaint against me with the intention of bringing me into disrepute and to disrupt my being recalled to the national squad".

Sgd : Hashan Tillakeratne.