'Ranatunga had problems with all' - Lokuge

Gamini Lokuge, the Sri Lanka sports minister, has been involved in a lof of cricket controversies during his ongoing term, the most recent being a defamation suit filed by Arjuna Ranatunga, who he sacked as Sri Lanka Cricket's interim committee chief earlier this month. Lokuge spoke to Hindustan Times about problems with Ranatunga, sponsorship issues and releasing players for the IPL.

Arjuna Ranatunga, was having problems with the players, his fellow workers, the sponsors (Dilmah Tea spent $ two million during a three-year period and did not renew the contract) and even the media. We cannot run an association like that. So, I was forced to sack Ranatunga and dissolve the committee ... Now, I have given Duleep Mendis complete authority. Next month, we are planning to hold elections. We will set up a new Interim Committee. At the same time, I want to get the cabinet's approval to set up a trust that would take care of the financial activities.