SLC finances stable by March - Sports Minister

Yasaratne GAMAGE

The current financial situation of Sri Lanka Cricket would be stable by March this year with the payment of long overdue ICC funds for the Cricket World Cup which was held in the country last year, said Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage at a special press briefing on ‘annual progress of the sports ministry and future activities’ at Olympic House Auditorium yesterday.

In addition to ICC funds, another income of US $ 29 million from future tours programme will be received by SLC. The minister pointed out that the situation is not a huge crisis as some highlight and is just a temporary problem.

Commenting on the performance of the Sri Lanka soccer team, he said that lethargic attitude of football officials in the federation has dragged the sport into a pathetic situation.

He said that Football Federation officials who are drawing high salaries are not properly channeling the funds sent by FIFA and other organizations for development of the game.

He further said that he will take drastic action against FFSL officials if they fail to improve the standard of football in the near future as he feels there are enough talented players, grounds and ample tours for the national and junior teams.

The minister also said that election held last week for SLC was free and fair as none of the member clubs who were entitled to vote at the election had not made a complaint to him.

He also said that he will be meeting the newly appointed officials of SLC to discus the problems and find solutions for them.