Amal replaces Mahesh

CRICKET: The Minister of Sports and Recreation Gamini Lokuge yesterday recalled former opening batsman Amal Silva into the new Selection Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket.

Silva had served in the previous selection panel but his name was not considered when the new committee was named last week. Silva will now join Chairman Ashantha de Mel, Don Anurasiri and Ranjith Madurasinghe in a four member selection committee.

The Minister of course had earlier appointed a five member selection committee with veteran television commentator Ranil Abeynayake and former Sri Lanka wicket keeper Mahesh Goonetilleke also included.

But Abeynayake’s name was later removed from the list due to his involvement with the media while Goonetilleke had refused to accept his new appointment due to personal commitments.

The new Selection Committee is expected to name a squad of 20 players in preparation for the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup which will be staged in South Africa next month.

C.D.