• Says saddened by Vaas’ decision
• Says SLC was in talks for long-term coaching agreement with Vaas

Youth Affairs Minister Namal Rajapaksa

Chaminda Vaas

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Namal Rajapaksa told Parliament yesterday that he was saddened by the last-minute decision taken by Chaminda Vaas to pull out of Sri Lanka’s tour of the West Indies. Vaas

had been appointed as Sri Lanka’s fast bowling coach on 19 February but resigned from the role days later, hours before the team was due to fly out, citing a payment dispute, and Rajapaksa felt the move would be disheartening for young cricketers taking part in the tour.

“He (Vaas) had tendered his resignation hours before the team was to leave for West Indies. The team which is made up by many young players will be disheartened by this as they had to leave without a bowling coach,” Rajapaksa said in response to a query by SJB MP Thushara Indunil Amarasena.

He added that if the issue was over a pay hike, it should have been discussed in a better manner.

“In addition to the Rs. 750,000 he was to be paid an additional tour fee. He had refused this at the last minute and given his resignation to Sri Lanka Cricket and they accepted it.”

Rajapaksa said SLC had been in talks with Vaas to sign him up for a long-term coaching agreement and noted that payment issues could have been discussed then.

“The players have been let down by a legendary player and they have had to go without a fast bowling coach.”

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