KATUKURUNDA SPEED 2023 MARRED BY WEAK JUDGEMENT

Weak judgement mars Katukurunda Speed 2023

The much awaited Nippon Paint Katukurunda Speed 2023 held last weekend (Dec. 02- 03). However, eyebrows have been raised over a racer being declared as the winner despite flouting rules and regulations of the tournament.

The event was organized by the Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS), the governing body for motorsports in Sri Lanka for the 3rd consecutive year.

Nippon Racing Brand Ambassador Ushan Perera was declared as the winner of the SL GT 3500 event. However, live footage of the race had showed Ushan overtaking Dilantha Malagamuwa in a questionable manner. Despite even the commentators pointing out that the action deserved a penalty, all 03 track marshals had stayed mum, reports say.

However, Dilantha was given a penalty over a false start.

Rumors state that Ushan’s action had been overlooked as Nippon Paints is the main sponsor of the event.

NEWS

Sri Lankan ground staff awarded promised cash reward – SLC

Sri Lanka Cricket states that they have commenced the distribution of the US$50,000 award (LKR 16 million) money promised during the Asia Cup to the ground staff of the RPICS, Colombo, and PICS, Kandy.

Accordingly, 138 members of the ground staff of the RPICS, Colombo, who worked during the Asia Cup 2023 (permanent and contract employees) were rewarded for their effort, while 115 members of the ground staff of the PICS, Kandy, will receive their reward this Friday.

A media statement by the SLC further notes :

The staff of both venues did a yeomen service during the tournament to ensure the practice facilities, outfield, pitches, covering and uncovering of the ground, and related services were in place and in time to conduct the tournament successfully, despite the bad weather conditions that prevailed during that time.

Curators, turf supervisors, ground staff, and technical staff are among the recipients of the reward payment.

The rewards were granted to the RPICS ground staff by the National Curator, Mr. Godfrey Dabrera, this morning.

The rewards were awarded jointly by the Asian Cricket Council and Sri Lanka Cricket, with each institution contributing US$25,000.

NEWS

Upul Tharanga to chair cricket selection committee

Sports Minister Harin Fernando today (04) announced that Upul Tharanga will replace Pramodya Wickramasinghe as Chairman of the Cricket Selection Committee.

The minister added that 10 names have already been recommended as selectors and that a new selection committee would be appointed soon.

NEWS

SLC complains to CIABOC over ex-sports minister

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) says that they have formally lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in Sri Lanka against Mr. Roshan Ranasinghe MP over the alleged misuse of funds provided by SLC to the National Sports Fund for the development of various other sports in Sri Lanka.

A statement issued by the SLC states :

The decision to file this complaint stems from the concern that Mr. Roshan Ranasinghe MP has not appropriately disclosed the utilization of funds allocated by SLC for the intended purposes.

This move comes in the wake of a discernible disparity between the information disclosed to the media by Mr. Ranasinghe MP and the response received by SLC under a Right to Information (RTI) application, outlining the specifics of the expenditures made.

SLC wishes to emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of financial transactions and ensuring that funds are utilized for their designated purposes and the said formal complaint filed with the Bribery Commission underscores SLC’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of governance and ethics within the realm of sports administration.

SLC trusts that the Bribery Commission will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter to ascertain the facts and take appropriate action as necessary and Sri Lanka Cricket will continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure a fair and just resolution to this issue, as part of its ongoing commitment to the promotion and advancement of sports in Sri Lanka.