Sumathipala refuses to throw in the towel

Controversial former cricket board President Thilanga Sumathipala confirmed that he still has long-term ambitions to return as BCCSL President during a media briefing on Thursday.

Sumathipala, however, is willing to bid his time. "According to the present political situation, I will not come forward, but I will definitely contest once the situation is better," he said.

Then, starting the election campaign early, he added: "If at all I come forward it will be for cricket, not the benefit of myself or my committee."

Sumithapala, a successful local businessman, was angered by comments made earlier in the week by Deputy Sports Minister, Managala Samaraweera, who claimed that he would change the BCCSL constitution to prevent the cricket board from becoming "a haven for corrupt businessmen."

Sumathipala questioned the legality of changing the constitution, arguing that changes would have to be mirrored in the other 56 official sports bodies in the country, as he had responsibility for Sports Law not the BCCSL.

Lakasman Kiriella, the Sports Minister before the recent cabinet reshuffle, had dissolved the BCCSL shortly after the England tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year. The dissolution was justified by a technicality, but the Minister insinuated that fears of financial malpractice had forced the decision and appointed a Probe Committee to investigate the affairs of the Sumathipala-led board.

The appointment the Probe Committee members met with howls of protest from the departing Executive Committee at the time, who complained that the committee was stacked full of Sumathipala enemies.

In the preliminary report the Probe Committee, released in June, Sumathipala was accused of improperly using BCCSL funds for personal legal fees.

Yesterday, Sumathipala, explained that the reimbursement of his legal fees was the result of a recommendation of the then treasurer of the BCCSL, Trevor Rajaratnam, which was supported by other members of the Executive Committee. He had apparently been prepared to pay them himself.

The Probe Committee also accused the dissolved board of not adhering to "accepted norms and rules of financial management and procedures" during the construction of Dambulla International Stadium, claiming that there had been "glaring malpractices, misuse and abuse of powers."

With regard to allegations that Dambulla contracts were improperly awarded, he responded with reference to the recently completed CECB evaluation report, which concludes that: "Rates for work items were reasonable, being equal or lower than standard rates in many instances."

There have also been allegations that the dissolved board had improperly awarded television rights to WSG/Nimbus despite a higher offer from Trans World International (TWI). Sumathipala rubbished claims, pointing towards a TWI letter, dated 1 November 2001, which states: "In our view the bid process has been conducted in a transparent manner and are satisfied with the way it has been conducted."

The war of words and allegations looks set to continue. Sumathipala, it seems, is not yet ready to throw in the towel.