Sports Minister meets with Sri Lankan players

The Honourable Minister of Sport and Tourism, Mr. Lakshman Kirielle, met with the full Sri Lankan cricket squad tonight to wish them luck for the forthcoming tour of South Africa and discuss issues relating to cricket in Sri Lanka.

According to a board spokesman, the meeting, thought to be the first of its kind, involved a positive and constructive exchange of views between the Minister, the players and the Executive Committee.

The players forwarded their opinions on a range of issues including the need for a more streamlined and competitive domestic tournament and better support for first class players not in the national pool. The issue of monetary compensation for selectors was also discussed.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Lakshman Kiriele, said: "The team is in high spirits and this was just a get together to wish them luck. They are performing well at the moment and, although South Africa is going to be a very tough tour, they remain confident."

When questioned about the recent allegations against Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) report the Minister pointed towards the recent plight of Kapil Dev and warned that it was too early to make an informed judgment. He supported the launch of the board investigation and looked forward to the completion of the report by Desmond Fernando.

During the meeting the President of the cricket board, Thilanga Sumithipala, promised that the proposal to build an international stadium in Pallakelle would be given careful examination. He added that the BCCSL was fully supportive of the concept in principle.