Removal of Arjuna Ranatunga arbitrary - SC

WASANTHA RAMANAYAKE

The Supreme Court yesterday held that the removal of Arjuna Ranatunga as Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee was arbitrary and in violation of his rights.

The Court ordered the State to pay Rs. 100,000 to the petitioner as proforma compensation for the pain of mind and loss of reputation as a world renowned cricketer and as a politician.

The Court held that his removal from the Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee would not blemish his character.

The Bench comprised Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva PC with Justice Ms. Shirani Thilakawardane and Justice K. Sripavan.

Delivering the judgment the Court noted that the petitioner was removed summarily from his positions arbitrarily neither without giving any reason nor being heard him.

The Court noted that the Interim Committee had the legal status, and protection that the petitioner could not be summarily removed. Petitioner Ranatunga complained to the Court that the respondents had suspended him from functioning as the Chairman of the Interim Committee of the Sri Lanka Cricket from January 23, illegally and arbitrarily in violation of his Fundamental Rights.

The petitioner cited Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge, Secretary to the Ministry S. Liyanagama, Sri Lankan Cricket CEO Duleep Mendis and the Attorney General as respondents. Sanjeewa Jayawardane with Rajeeva Amarasuriya appeared for the petitioner.

Senior State Counsel Nerin Pulle appeared for the Minister and the Secretary to the Ministry.