Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe sacked amidst SLC suspension

The suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) by the International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a positive turn as the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has sacked the country's Sports Minister, Roshan Ranasinghe. Media reports indicate that President Wickremesinghe announced Ranasinghe's immediate dismissal from the positions of Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and Minister of Irrigation on November 28.

Ranasinghe had directed his focus towards SLC, going as far as dissolving its elected body. Earlier this month, he dismissed the elected cricket board, alleging severe corruption among office-bearers. However, they were vehemently denied the charge and are currently contesting in court.

Ranasinghe's dismissal from the SLC resulted in the appointment of an interim committee chaired by Arjuna Ranatunga, a renowned former World Cup-winning captain. However, Ranatunga's appointment, despite his cricketing accolades, has stirred controversy within both Sri Lanka and the apex body. Notably, the ICC Board, in its meeting in Ahmedabad on November 21, upheld the decision to suspend Sri Lanka Cricket, a verdict initially reached on November 10.

The parliament's decision comes in the aftermath of the minister accusing the President of attempting to assassinate him due to his efforts to eradicate corruption within the cricket board. The minister detailed these allegations in parliament, intensifying a long-standing confrontation with Wickremesinghe over the management of SLC.

"I fear I could be killed over my work to clean up the cricket board. If I am assassinated on the road, the president and his chief of staff will be responsible," Ranasinghe was quoted as saying by WION.

This turn of events raises optimism for the SLC, which faced ICC suspension due to government interference in the board"s functioning impacting its autonomy. However, the global cricket governing body,l observed that it might be premature to anticipate an immediate lifting of the suspension.