Congratulations Minister!

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

It was so heart-warming to listen to the no-holds-barred speech of the Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe; a very rare occurrence nowadays! As commented in the editorial “Cheers for Maxwell and Roshan” (The Island, 9 November), it was a stellar performance indeed. Having sunk to the bottom with the declared bankruptcy, as things were improving, most of us felt that things could not get any worse but were proved wrong by the antics of our cricket board and cricketers. Fortunately, Roshan Ranasinghe’s firm stand brought a ray of hope, more so because there seemed to be a consensus across the floor of the House to stand against corruption. Whether it will last, nobody knows

Most sports are no longer what they used to be. True, in sport there are winners and losers but what has been embarrassing in the case of Sri Lanka is the enormity of losses suffered by our cricketers recently.

The excuses trotted out by the SLC administration when the Auditor General’s report was released, highlighting unbelievable irregularities in finances, were laughable. First, SLC claimed that the AG had no authority. Then it claimed that it was not a government department or a corporation. Finally, it claimed that it was a charity. It is a sad reflection on those occupying high positions that they failed to understand that even a charity is held accountable!

Worse still was the response of the government. Although one can argue against some chosen by the Minister for the Interim Committee, it was a bold step which had the universal endorsement of cricket lovers.

No sooner had the gazette been issued than President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his displeasure. A cabinet subcommittee was soon appointed to investigate into the misdeeds of SLC as well as the gazette notification! As if by magic, a new constitution for SLC and the suggestion for a board of directors appeared!

Ranil, who once campaigned for the abolition of the executive presidency, maybe because he thought he would never be president, having become president under fortuitous circumstances, now seems to be behaving as a dictatorial president.

Ranil has not found fault with Roshan Ranasinghe for exceeding authority but has faulted the latter for not informing him! Perhaps, it may have been prudent for the minister to appraise the President of his intentions but studying carefully the minister’s statement to the Parliament, one can figure out why he did not do so.

In a speech lasting almost an hour, Ranasinghe placed before the House the web of corruption that seems to be entangling our national sport. He made some shocking revelations using parliamentary privilege. He said he intended to protect the President and asked the latter to choose between him and Shammi.

Roshan does not seem to mind being sacked; after all, he has more to gain than to lose! Overnight he will become a hero. It is totally different for Ranil! If he does not sack Roshan, after such a damning speech, Ranil would be considered weak and other ministers may follow suit. If he sacks Roshan, he will make a mockery of his commitment to fighting corruption.

Although Ranasinghe has placed Ranil in a no-win situation, it is very likely that Ranil will use a stock excuse like being misinformed, and would cleanse SLC by different means, not through the Interim administration. Whatever the way, if SLC is rid of parasites we can breathe a sigh of relief and Ranasinghe can claim credit.

Congratulations, Minister Ranasinghe for standing up to crooks! Do hope others will follow suit and this will be a new beginning!