Former Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga has told former Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake that the decision to prevent him from contesting the 2015 SLC election contributed to the gradual decline of the national cricket team.
In an open letter, Ranatunga said that the move to block his candidacy and instead appoint an interim committee paved the way for what he described as the deterioration of Sri Lanka’s performance on the international stage.
Dissanayake had earlier expressed regret over his decision, acknowledging that Ranatunga played a key administrative role during a successful period from 2009 to 2015, when Sri Lanka reached five major finals, including four World Cups. He admitted that, in hindsight, he should have supported Ranatunga’s bid for leadership.
Responding strongly, Ranatunga criticised the current state of Sri Lanka Cricket, alleging that individuals with questionable backgrounds and links to betting interests have been allowed to influence the sport. He claimed that such leadership has led to a decline in standards and commitment within the game.
“It is no surprise that Sri Lankan cricket has fallen to its lowest depths when it is led by individuals who have not played the game,” he said, adding that personal financial interests have taken priority over national duty.
Ranatunga stressed that Sri Lanka Cricket requires a complete and uncompromising transformation, warning that those who prioritise personal gain should not be involved in developing future players.
Defending his own record, he said the successes achieved between 2009 and 2015 were the result of structured planning, investment in players and a focus on the game rather than personal interests.
He also questioned the current administration’s contribution to the sport and urged reflection on whether decisions taken in the past had truly served the best interests of Sri Lanka Cricket.
