Sports Minister promotes Hemaka Amasuriya BCCSL President

Sports Minister Johnston Fernando declared on Monday that he believed Singer Chairman Hemaka Amarasuriya would be the ideal candidate to run the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL).

Speaking to the Island newspaper, Fernando said: "I feel that Mr Hemaka Amarasuriya is the most suitable person to head the cricket board at this juncture."

Fernando is anxious to avoid a divisive election and is keen that a consensual candidate emerges for the post of Presidency before he calls an Annual General Meeting.

"As you are aware, there are several factions within the cricket board who are keen for promoting their respective candidates for the post of Board Presidency, but I have asked these factions to forget their differences and work under the stewardship of an independent personality like Amarasuriya who does not have any club affiliations," said Fernando.

He added: "It's highly imperative that we provide the best possible cricket administration so that our cricketers can have the best possible passage through to the 2003 World Cup. The cricketers must not be distracted by off-field wrangling in the Board."

Amarasuriya, a respected businessman who leads a corporation with a long association with Sri Lankan cricket having been the team sponsor for six years, appears willing to hold office but reluctant to do so if there is an election.

"Though I would love to serve the game of cricket in this country, Cricket Board electioneering and canvassing is not for me," he told the Island.

The Ministers comments followed the announcement Monday that former Sri Lankan captain and current Member of Parliament, Arjuna Ranatunga, had started legal proceedings to prevent the Sports Minister passing a law preventing politicians from holding office in the BCCSL.