CoPE to direct CID probe into SL cricket irregularities in awarding broadcasting rights

By Chandani Kirinde

The Committee on Public Enterprises (CoPE) yesterday decided to direct the CID to carry out an investigation into irregularities that had taken place when awarding international broadcasting rights by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

CoPE Chairman Sunil Handunetti said all information pertaining to issues on broadcasting rights will be handed over to the CID shortly in order to carry out the investigation. 

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials who appeared before CoPE yesterday welcomed the move and assured that they would co-operate with the CID. 

During the hearing yesterday, it was revealed that SLC has maintained accounts in several overseas banks including the US and Australia. However, SLC officials said some of these accounts have been opened and maintained during the time a competent authority ran the SLC. It was also revealed that some accounts were not authorised by the SLC. “The issue here is that there is no one who could take responsibility for opening and maintaining accounts,” Handunetti said. 

He said CoPE would prepare a special report on Cricket Aid.