da bet vitoria： Despite acknowledging that he faces defeat in the forthcoming Sri Lanka cricket board elections, Arjuna Ranatunga has flatly rejected the suggestion that he join forces with Thilanga Sumathipala, the leading contender for the post of president
Charlie Austin22-May-2003Despite acknowledging that he faces defeat in the forthcoming Sri Lanka cricket board elections, Arjuna Ranatunga has flatly rejected the suggestion that he join forces with Thilanga Sumathipala, the leading contender for the post of president.In his first press conference since handing over his nomination for theelections, which will be held on June 6, Ranatunga vowed to clean up acorrupt administration, revitalise schools and domestic cricket, and appointa local coach for the national team if elected.Ranatunga admits that the chances of winning sufficient votes from thevarious member clubs and associations to defeat Sumathipala, who has rock-hard support in the outstations and in Colombo, were remote.”It will not be easy [to win the BCCSL election] under the present system,"which Ranatunga complains is corrupt. "But I have a duty by the nation andthe game. That’s why I came forward to contest the BCCSL presidency."Ranatunga has not even been able to win the support of his own club, theSinhalese Sports Club, whom he represented for nearly two decades. Hedismisses the slight, claiming it’s the result of vested interests.”My club voting against me is not a setback for me," he said. "It’s an eyeopener that I want the world and country to see. If there’s corruption in anelite club like the SSC, what can you expect from small clubs? They too caneasily fall victim."Ranatunga had been encouraged to abandon his own campaign and join theSumathipala camp. There had been tentative early talks between the tworivals, but Ranatunga pulled out, revealing that there were "difference ofinterests."”For me to join them, they will first have to clear all the allegationsagainst them," said Ranatunga. “The people of this country have come to respect me as an honest person.”Ranatunga welcomed the decision of Aravinda de Silva to contest the post ofvice-president, but warned him to be careful of his reputation: “I am happythat Aravinda is interested [in administration]. But he will have tosafeguard his good name."Sumathipala is on course for his third term as BCCSL president. He haspromised increased transparency in financial affairs, the implementation ofa comprehensive development plan, the development of a high performancetraining centre and the appointment of a foreign coach for the national sidewithin 30 days of his appointment.