The time has come to get rid of individuals who destroyed cricket, Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said yesterday (Feb 10).

Responding to questions raised by journalists in Gampaha, Mr. Ranatunga said that he is hopeful of guiding Sri Lanka Cricket in the right direction this year.

He made this remark while referring to a statement made by President Maithripala Sirisena at an event in Polonnaruwa.

"Sri Lanka cricket has become the most corrupt body in the cricketing arena" the President told his supporters at the event.

In response, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation claimed that the previous Sports Minister's had vested the cricket administration with corrupt individials.

"I am happy that the President has realised the damage caused by these individuals" he said adding that it was these individuals who are seated on the same stage with the President.

"These individuals must be distanced from the President," said Ranatunga while requesting the President to move away from them since not doing so would distance the people from the President.

Further the Minister  appreciated the President's decision to react at the right time.