Jayasuriya's omission:

President orders probe

by Dinesh Weerawansa

President Mahinda Rajapakse has ordered a probe on the omission of veteran Sri Lanka cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya from the national team for the three-Test series against India which begins in Chennai today.

Speaking to the 'Daily News' last night, President Rajapakse said there have been many complaints on the sacking of Jayasuriya from the national team.

"There were many requests for an investigation over the selections and I have asked Sports Minister Jeevan Kumaratunga to look into the matter," the President said.

"I have asked to investigate why Jayasuriya was overlooked for the Test series in India. Why did they select him for the one day series if he was not fully fit and take that risk.

Many questioned why he was not kept for the more important Test series," President Rajapakse said.

He added that an investigation would do justice to all and iron out any controversies on selections.

The 36-year-old dashing opener has represented Sri Lanka in 100 Tests, scoring 6,580 runs at an average of 42.17 with 14 centuries and 29 fifties. With over 10,000 one day runs to his credit, Jayasuriya is Sri Lanka's leading run-getter in both Tests and ODIs.