Upali in the fray again

Current Sri Lanka Cricket President Upali Dharmadasa handed over his nominations to contest against Thilanga Sumathipala in the forthcoming elections for the cricket presidency, which will be held on March 30.

Sumathipala, had already submitted his nominations on Wednesday.

Ervin Jayawardena of Kurunegala Sorts Club raised objections against the nominations submitted by Upali Dharmadasa stating that the incumbent President has not obtained prior approval of the Sports Minister.

When contacted, a senior Sports Ministry official confirmed that Dharmadasa's nomination was not accompanied by a letter authorization letter from the Sports Minister which is mandatory for candidates who had not played in a major tournament conducted by the SLC, other than for the post of treasurer. Hence Dharmadasa does not have first class playing experience, it is compulsory for him to obtain prior approval from the Sports Minister.

If the protest against the candidacy of Dharmadasa is upheld, parliamentarian Thilanga Sumathipala could regain the SLC top seat uncontested. However, objections were also raised against the candidacy of former Asian Cricket Council and SLC President Sumathipala.