-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -24.June.2025, 4.30 AM) A former vice president of Sri Lanka Cricket has petitioned the Supreme Court, alleging that the recent election of officials to the country's top cricket body was conducted in violation of both the law and the constitution of the organisation. K. Mathivanan, a veteran cricket administrator, has filed a fundamental rights petition challenging the legitimacy of the election process for the 2025–2027 term, demanding the annulment of all appointments — including that of re-elected President Shammi Silva — and the holding of fresh elections.
The case, filed under SC/FR-103/2025, is scheduled to be taken up for consideration on June 26. In the petition, Mathivanan has named 31 respondents, including the full executive committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), members of the election committee, Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamagedara, his deputy Sugath Thilakaratne, the Sports Ministry Secretary, the Director General of Sports, the Auditor General, and the Attorney General.
Mathivanan argues that the election was convened under a gazette notification that had not received proper approval, rendering the process invalid. He further claims that the constitutional framework of SLC was breached by allowing ineligible individuals to hold office, while procedural safeguards — such as the appointment of an appeals committee and ombudsman by the Sports Minister — were ignored, effectively denying candidates the right to contest or challenge nominations.
The petition requests the Supreme Court to issue several orders, including:
The nullification of all election results and the conduct of a new, lawful election.
An interim injunction preventing the use, transfer, or allocation of SLC assets by current officeholders.
A directive that all nominees declare their assets and liabilities for the preceding three years, as required by newly introduced regulations under the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973.
An independent forensic audit into potentially unlawful transactions by Sri Lanka Cricket.
Orders compelling the Sports Minister to ensure that future nominations and objections be given adequate time and that all audit queries raised for SLC’s 2023 and 2024 financial years be reviewed by the Auditor General and submitted to the relevant respondents.
The petition also highlights the fact that 125 allegations have been levelled against the conduct of the recent SLC election. These include:
Holding elections based on an unratified gazette.
Bypassing the appeals process by failing to appoint an appeals committee or ombudsman.
The installation of unqualified individuals in executive positions.
The misuse of cricket funds for political events, including the controversial "Smart Youth" concert series, allegedly designed to bolster the public image of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The withholding of audit reports.
Furthermore, Mathivanan has also filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka under reference HRC/HO/1405/25, stating that he was unlawfully denied the opportunity to contest the election — an act he argues constitutes a violation of his democratic rights.
This latest legal salvo comes amid mounting concerns over the governance and financial transparency of Sri Lanka Cricket, which has faced repeated allegations of corruption, politicisation, and interference. Critics argue that the cricket board — once a symbol of national pride — has become entangled in power struggles and opaque financial dealings.
The outcome of Mathivanan’s petition could set a significant precedent for sports governance in Sri Lanka. As cricket remains the most passionately followed sport on the island, the Supreme Court’s ruling will be closely watched not just by players and administrators, but by an entire nation yearning for both integrity and accountability on and off the pitch.
-By A Special Correspondent
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by (2025-06-23 23:02:11)
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