Minister Bimal Rathnayake has defended the appointment of Eran Wickramaratne as Chairman of the Cricket Restructuring Committee, dismissing criticism over political differences and stressing that merit—not ideology—guided the decision.
Responding to concerns about selecting a figure outside the government’s political alignment, Rathnayake said the move was based solely on capability. “Cricket doesn’t have to be left-wing,” he remarked, urging that the appointment should not be viewed through a political lens.
The Minister highlighted Wickramaratne’s background as a former cricketer and his extensive administrative experience as key factors behind the selection. He expressed confidence that the new Chairman has the expertise required to help restore Sri Lanka’s cricketing standards.
“We needed a suitable and talented administrator. He has knowledge of the game and the capacity to guide its development,” Rathnayake said during a televised interview.
Emphasising the distinction between sports administration and politics, Rathnayake noted that managing cricket cannot be equated to running a political party. He reiterated that the primary objective remains the rebuilding of the sport.
Pointing to ongoing performance concerns, the Minister observed that Sri Lanka has not reached a semi-final in any format over the past decade. He underscored the broader significance of the game, describing cricket as a national strength and a valuable asset in enhancing the country’s global standing.
“Cricket must be developed. It is a national need,” he added, reinforcing the urgency behind ongoing restructuring efforts.
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