The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, yesterday we spoke here about geostrategic indices and national branding. Just as “Ceylon Tea” carries our name globally, Sri Lanka Cricket is a brand that represents the nation. At a time when many sports are in decline, we are committed to reviving them with proper planning.

¶ 02 On SLC, I say this: whether from government or opposition, when a good and important proposal comes to Parliament, we are ready to support it. Beyond administrative corruption and fraud, there is also a planning deficit. SLC must pay special attention to school cricket. For Division 3 school matches, the host team bears umpire fees, balls, scorers, ground charges, meals and refreshments—about Rs. 35,000 per match. Since the School Cricket Association does not bear this, rural schools withdraw; the burden falls on students and players, pricing poorer children out of the game. We must create a programme to remove this barrier and build a fuller age-pathway—U13, U15, U17, U19—so the national pool is stronger. We stand condition-free: our only desire is to safeguard Sri Lankan cricket. Thank you.