November 21 Thursday 2002
Probe ordered in BCCSL accounts

COLOMBO: Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Johnston Fernando has ordered an investigation into the accounts of Interim Committee of Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL).

He asked Secretary of the Ministry N. G. Punchihewa to conduct a Ministry level investigation. The Minister said there have been several reports and complaints in the media as well as from individuals and member clubs regarding the manner in which BCCSL interim administration is handling its funds.

Fernando said there have been complaints on BCCSL Interim Council's decision to award new construction contracts while they still owe money to contractors of Dambulla International Stadium construction project.

He said the Ministry investigation would also look into circumstances, which forced Board's finance division to obtain a massive Rs. ten million overdraft facility in order to meet its financial commitments.

"There have been lot of queries in newspapers on financial conduct of the BCCSL Interim Committee, and also by some member clubs and individuals. As the Minister, I have a responsibility to look into this matter and make sure no irregularities have taken place", Fernando observed.

When contacted, BCCSL Chief Executive Officer, Anura Tennekoon said the Ministry's Secretary has already informed them about investigation and asked for financial report. "We have been asked to submit a report. It would be done by end of this week," former Sri Lanka captain turned administrator said. 

Meanwhile, Sports Ministry sources confirmed that BCCSL handed over its financial situation report to the Ministry Secretary Punchihewa.

It is now with Sports Minister and after a Ministry level investigation it will be revealed as what had actually taken place in BCCSL finances. Sri Lanka's local cricket governing body is being managed by an Interim Committee, appointed by Sports Minister since dissolution of BCCSL Executive Committee appointed at its last AGM three years ago.

There have been several demands from BCCSL membership to conduct fresh elections but the Ministry decided to run interim administration until 2003 World Cup to put Sri Lanka cricket on right path.