A debate concerning the alleged misuse of funds by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) during the recent T20 World Cup in Australia is scheduled for the upcoming parliamentary week beginning on 8 August.
Hesha Withanage, a member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), stated that he will initiate an adjournment debate on this matter during the parliamentary session. Withanage aims to address questions to the Sports Minister during the debate and has also filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the issue.
The allegations pertain to a total expenditure of Rs. 67 million on the office bearers of SLC. Specific amounts spent by individuals include Rs. 11.7 million by SLC President Shammi Silva, Rs. 5.4 million by Secretary Mohan de Silva, Rs. 5.1 million by Vice Presidents Jayantha Dharamadasa and Raveen Wickramaratne, Rs. 4.8 million by Treasurer Lasantha Wickramaratne, Rs. 4.7 million by Assistant Secretary Sujeewa Godaliyaddha, and Rs. 3.6 million by Assistant Secretary Krishantha Kapuwatte.
Furthermore, irregularities have been disclosed in the issuance of visas for the T20 World Cup. Although SLC requested permission to send 52 individuals, including 32 players, to Australia, it was found that visa request letters were sent for 35 individuals with no association to SLC. Notably, these 35 persons included 21 relatives and friends of SLC President Shammi Silva, among them his wife, brother-in-law, and mother-in-law.
