Stay on Lankan cricket board polls, old panel to continue

Ranatunga, brother of Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga, told a press conference here today that routine affairs of the Board would thus not be effected.

But the International Cricket Council would be informed about the court order, he said. Ranatunga said as per the order Thilanga Sumathipala, who was re-elected President in the election marred by violence, would continue to function in that capacity as part of the previous committee.

Ratwatte, uncle of Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga, moved the court after losing the election by 79 to 11 votes. Ratwatte had walked out of the Annual General body Meeting which witnessed unruly scenes. He had then alleged that unauthorised persons were allowed to vote and genuine voters were kept away.

Sumathipala had denied this and charged Ratwatte with bringing in police officials from the Presidental security division to force his election. The unruly scenes were followed by fisticuffs and attempts by supporters of Ratwatte to gatecrash into the AGM venue.