Duleep Mendis new Selection Committee chairman:

Not ready to be runners up again - Sports Minister

Dilanka Mannakkara

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said that Sri Lanka are not going to be satisfied as runners up again, and few tough but extremely important decisions will have to be taken in the near future for the betterment of Sri Lankan cricket. He said so at a special press conference regarding the brand new selection committee at the Olympic House yesterday. He also mentioned that the new selection committee headed by veteran cricketer and administrator Duleep Mendis would ensure a fresh beginning to cricket specifically focusing on the 2015 world cup with a new captain and a new vice captain.

As exclusively stated in our sister paper Sunday Observer the new selection committee chaired by Mendis includes Don Arunasiri, Brendon Kuruppu, Ranjith Madurasinghe and Chaminda Mendis.

The minster also mentioned that there was no politics within the SLC Administration as several media organizations have reported and mentioned that MP Sanath Jayasuriya would have been the captain of the team if the government and the President was involved in team selections.” Former coach Trevor Bayliss has mentioned that there is politics within the team, I have instructed the SLC to write to Trevor and rectify this matter. If there was politics and interference in the team selections Bayliss should have then and there pointed it out instead of doing it once his contract period has expired”.

The minister also emphasized on the fact that at least five new players should be injected for the team possibly during the English tour which begins on May 15. He also said that he would work very closely with the SLC here after and ensure that there is no injustice happening and ensure smooth running in the process.” We want to win the 2015 world cup definitely and therefore we would do anything that is possible for the betterment of cricket”.

The new selection committee chairman Duleep Mendis stated he is appreciative of the Sports Minister to be invited as the selection committee Chairman for 2011. “I have had very good years as a selector, 96 was a superb year while 99 was a disaster. Our immediate goal is to appoint a new captain and vice captain within the next few days and get ready for the English and Australian tours.”

He also mentioned that it is a rebuilding process within the team and that they should find replacements for senior players. “There is bundles of talent in the country and we should pick them at the correct time”added Mendis.

“I will also assure that we, the selection committee will watch matches and identify the talent around and give much more prominence for the A team and they would get rewarded with a place in the national squad for consistent performances”.