Eight interim members accept Sport Minister's invitation so far

Eight members of a proposed 10-member interim committee, appointed to run the affairs of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) earlier this month, have formally accepted letters of appointment from Sports Minister Johnston Fernando.

Roshan Mahanama, former Sri Lanka Test batsman and Sri Lanka A coach until standing down recently, is among those to have confirmed his participation in the committee despite being reported to having a strained relationship with Sidath Wettimuny and Michael Tissera.

But although the interim committee have now held two meetings, and were apparently appointed in the first week of April, there has still been no official confirmation from the Sports Ministry or the Chief Executive's office that a new interim has been appointed after the previous Vijaya Malalsekera led committee stood down on March 31.

The two members to not accept their letters of appointment are Trevor Rajaratnam and Mohan de Silva, both former BCCSL Executive Committee members, who have legal cases pending against the BCCSL and are believed to seeking advice before deciding whether to accept Fernando's invitation.

The interim committee is headed by Hemaka Amarasuriya and has been asked to serve until the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. A press conference with the new members is expected to be held in early May at the BCCSL headquarters.

Full 10-member committee:

Hemaka Amarasuriya (chairman), Nalin Ladduwahetty, Michael Tissera, Sidat Wettimuny, Mohan de Silva, Lawrance Amarasena, Trevor Rajaratnam, Kushil Gunasekera, Triphone Mirando, Roshan Mahanama.