No need to follow what Kumar or Mahela says –Sumathipala

Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, MP Thilanga Sumathipala, yesterday (5) said that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) does not need to follow what Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardane says, because it’s the SLC which made them internationally recognized players.
“Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardane proposed to have 24 cricket teams from certain areas when the SLC actually has 12 and SLC rejected it,” said Sumathipala, at a media briefing in Colombo.
Although Sumathipala said so, SLC domestic tournament has 24 teams in its limited overs structure.
When asked why it was rejected, he said, “Not everything they proposed was rejected. Most of them were implemented. For example, in the past opportunities were not given to players from villages to represent the Sri Lankan Cricket Team, only those from leading schools islandwide were given the opportunity. However, currently the opportunity is open to anyone who has talent.”
“There is a specific way the SLC works. There is an Interim Board and they take all decisions. This system of working was established considering all experience they had from the day they started the Board of Control of Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) and due to that system and experience BCCSL was able to make players such as Sangakkara and Jayawardane internationally recognized. So the BCCSL would not consider anything that would change the foundation of their work ethics,” he said.
He added, “If someone finds fault in the constitution, they should organize an open discussion to share their opinion. We have listed certain points to discuss too and we will be happy to share them. If they are clearly communicated, the Minister of Sports can look into it and make the changes in the Ministry if needed and the BCCSL will consider the points as well.”