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SL will lose USD 50mn if ICC suspension continues – Shammi Silva

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President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Shammi Silva has warned that in the event the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not lift the ongoing suspension against the country’s membership, the country stands to lose 50 millions of US Dollars.

Speaking at a press conference held this afternoon (11 Nov.), Silva explained that it was after several discussions and deliberations that the ICC allowed the island nation to host both the U19 Cricket World Cup and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ICC in 2024, and the Women’s World Cup later in 2027. He further revealed that measures were also underway to co-host the T20 World Cup in 2026 together with India.

The SLC President explained that in order for these tournaments, along with the AGM, to take place as scheduled, ICC required a certain level of ‘assurance’ that the government of Sri Lanka would support these endeavours.

“They don’t have that confidence anymore. The AGM has already been cancelled, and I don’t know what will happen to the U19 World Cup”, Shammi Silva said, explaining that an ICC official who was on the island to discuss matters in this regard, had left this morning.

Thereby, he warned that Sri Lanka is on the verge of losing USD 50 million, in the event the ICC suspension continues.

Speaking further on the suspension imposed by the ICC on Sri Lanka with immediate effect on Friday (10 Nov.), Shammi Silva, together with the other SLC officials present at today’s briefing, revealed that the suspension, despite Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe’s claims, was not, in fact, a shock.

Silva noted that the ICC initially notified SLC of a possible suspension in July this year, following ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja’s visit in May, subsequent to which discussions were held between the relevant parties, and the matter had been resolved to a certain extent.

“But how are we supposed to work with people like this?”, the SLC President said in reference to Minister Ranasinghe, adding that there was a high level of unnecessary interference, politicization and corruption.

Silva alleged that Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe was the reason behind the drastic downfall of not only cricket , but of sports as a whole in Sri Lanka, alleging that “one man is destroying everything”. He highlighted that the during Ranasinghe’s tenure, Sri Lanka has been banned in the international arena for football, rugby and cricket.

“Nothing can be done. We cannot develop sports with a minister like this, his powers need to be curtailed”, Silva asserted, urging that President Ranil Wickremesinghe should intervene in the ordeal.

SLC found itself under fire after several back and forth allegations concerning fund transfers and other nefarious activities, following which the ICC, on Friday night, suspended Sri Lanka’s membership, with immediate effect, on account of the cricket governing body having been in serious breach of its obligations as a Member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference.

(adaderana)

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2 nabbed with gold at BIA

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Two air passengers attempting to smuggle gold worth Rs. 210 million concealed among vehicle spare parts, were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday (May 15).

The suspects, a 26-year-old from Grandpass, Colombo, and a 46-year-old from Rambukwella, Kandy, had arrived from Dubai on Emirates flight EK-650 at 8:30 am.

Both individuals are believed to be couriers operating on behalf of local businessmen, frequently transporting goods from abroad.

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Wimal slams govt. over salt prices

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Leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF) – Wimal Weerawansa has stated that while it took 76 years for the price of a salt packet to reach Rs.60, the current government managed to raise the price to Rs. 400 within just seven months.

He made these remarks yesterday (May 15) during a media briefing held at the NFF headquarters in Colombo.

Weerawansa heavily criticized the current government, saying that although it operates under the banner of a so-called “renaissance”, it is in fact a government that fails to take any meaningful decisions.

“It took 76 years for a packet of salt to cost Rs.60. However, within 07 months, this government had raised the price to Rs.350 – Rs.400. This is the drama of the so-called renaissance.”

He also ridiculed the government’s narrative that the salt shortage is somehow part of a shift toward healthy eating habits.

Weerawansa emphasized that the current crisis reflects the government’s incompetence and insensitivity to the grave economic hardships faced by the people.

No salt produced this year – Lanka Salt Chairman

Meanwhile, Chairman of Lanka Salt Ltd. – Mr. D. Nandana Thilaka has stated no salt has been produced this year due to continuous adverse weather and rainfall.

He said that this adverse weather conditions has affected not only Hambantota but many other salt producing areas including Elephant Pass.

He further explained that in 2024, the company had planned to produce 125,000 MT of salt, but adverse weather conditions only allowed for the production of 40,000 MT.

Usually, salt harvesting starts in March every year, but the poor weather conditions have hindered this, according to the chairman.

While there has been a shortage of salt crystals in the market, table salt stocks remain unaffected, he clarified.

He further stated that Lanka Salt Ltd. had issued 100,000 packets of 400g table salt to Lanka Sathosa on May 14, and another 100,000 packets were to be issued yesterday (May 15).

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Islandwide investigation over substandard fertilizer racket

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The National Fertilizer Secretariat has launched an islandwide investigation to identify and remove substandard fertilizer from the local market.

The probe is being carried out through district Assistant Directors islandwide.

Director of the secretariat – Mr. Chandana Lokuhewage states that the investigation commenced following the recent raid of substandard fertilizer in the Polonnaruwa area.

Police had seized 1,565 bags of urea fertilizer during the raid in Siripura, Polonnaruwa.

Samples from the seized stock are to be sent to Colombo for laboratory testing, Lokuge confirmed.

12 suspects arrested in this regard have been remanded until May 28 after they were produced before the Dehiattakandiya Magistrate’s Court.

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