Colombo : Sri Lanka’s World Cup-winning former captain Arjuna Ranatunga suffered an embarrassing loss along with his brother Nishantha in the elections of the cricket board on Sunday . Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala was elected as the new President of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board.
The election was held at the Sports Ministry and local cricket clubs and associations voted to elect the new President.
Speaking to reporters after the election, Sumathipala said that the election was free and fair.
He insisted that there was no political influence from President Maithripala Sirisena or anyone else in the election.
Sumathipala said that he and his new board members will work towards the development of the sport in Sri Lanka.
He said that priority will be to ensure the national cricket team improves and becomes the number one team in the world.
“We have drawn up our plans. We will give the leadership to transform Sri Lanka cricket,” he said.
Sumathipala said that there are several shortcomings in the national team, including the lack of a national coach, which needs to be addressed immediately.
He said that measures will also be taken to amend the laws governing the cricket board in line with the proposed amendment to the local sports laws.
Sumathipala beat Nishantha Ranatunga to the post. Ranatunga, the former Secretary of the board, obtained 56 votes while Sumathipala got 88 votes.