Ranatunga rejects pact with Sumathipala

Despite acknowledging that he faces defeat in the forthcoming Sri Lanka cricket board elections, Arjuna Ranatunga has flatly rejected the suggestion that he join forces with Thilanga Sumathipala, the leading contender for the post of president.

In his first press conference since handing over his nomination for the elections, which will be held on June 6, Ranatunga vowed to clean up a corrupt administration, revitalise schools and domestic cricket, and appoint a local coach for the national team if elected.

Ranatunga admits that the chances of winning sufficient votes from the various member clubs and associations to defeat Sumathipala, who has rock-hard support in the outstations and in Colombo, were remote.

"It will not be easy [to win the BCCSL election] under the present system," which Ranatunga complains is corrupt. "But I have a duty by the nation and the game. That's why I came forward to contest the BCCSL presidency."

Ranatunga has not even been able to win the support of his own club, the Sinhalese Sports Club, whom he represented for nearly two decades. He dismisses the slight, claiming it's the result of vested interests.

"My club voting against me is not a setback for me," he said. "It's an eye opener that I want the world and country to see. If there's corruption in an elite club like the SSC, what can you expect from small clubs? They too can easily fall victim."

Ranatunga had been encouraged to abandon his own campaign and join the Sumathipala camp. There had been tentative early talks between the two rivals, but Ranatunga pulled out, revealing that there were "difference of interests."

"For me to join them, they will first have to clear all the allegations against them," said Ranatunga. "The people of this country have come to respect me as an honest person."

Ranatunga welcomed the decision of Aravinda de Silva to contest the post of vice-president, but warned him to be careful of his reputation: "I am happy that Aravinda is interested [in administration]. But he will have to safeguard his good name."

Sumathipala is on course for his third term as BCCSL president. He has promised increased transparency in financial affairs, the implementation of a comprehensive development plan, the development of a high performance training centre and the appointment of a foreign coach for the national side within 30 days of his appointment.