Is it going to be another costly faux pas in the annals of Sri Lankan cricket? I remember a while ago when this cricket management sat on the main table for the first time, one of their very first statements where that they would help the home grown to develop especially in the coaching sphere.

It was rather impressive when keeping to their statement former Sri Lankan opener Chandika Haturusinghe was elevated to the post of Shadow Coach to assist the National coach Trevor Bayliss.

Now Bayliss have indicated that he will not be around here in Sri Lanka in the post World Cup scenario, but, a few months prior to that the Lankan management bid Adieu to their shadow coach Chandika Haturusinghe on an unexplained charge. Now the disillusioned coach will also become another citizen in Bayliss’ back yard. He leaves the island on the 10th of December.

When asked how this episode transpired the former shadow coach explained “The West Indies, Florida and the Zimbabwe tours came one-after the other. Before we went to the West Indies I was scheduled to go on this level three coaching programme in Australia which was approved and funded by the Sri Lanka Cricket. At the same time after the three engagements we were to comeback to the island on June 8, 2010. But, while we were in Florida we learned that the Zimbabwe leg got extended by three days. I believe it was a request from the Indian Cricket Board.

“We were informed of this by SLC Interim Committee Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga while we were there. There I spoke to Nishantha Ranatunga, Manager Anura Tennekone and Coach Trevor Bayliss and Ranatunga said that he had no problem with an earlier departure of mine from Zimbabwe if the main coach had no qualms. Then when the Zimbabwe documentation was being adjusted I even told manager Tennekone about the arrangement and it was done as discussed.”

Haturusinghe explained that subsequently he retuned to the island in anticipation to the Australian training programme on 8th June 2010. “When I landed here I was issued with a notice alleging that I had abandoned the tour. The there was an inquiry conducted by a retired judge. If I had abandoned the tour there should have been a complaint from the manager, but, there was none. He gave evidence at the inquiry. Even Bayliss said that there was no problem. But up to date I do not know what the aftermath was, but I got a letter terminating by services. But, when I requested the report of the inquiry I was not given one.

“Meanwhile I proceeded to Australia and had done the level three courses and returned”.
Speaking about the Lankan team Chandika says that this team has all the credentials to reach the finals of the 2011 World Cup and his only regret would be that he will not be there to savour the moment when it happens.

He says the only drawback that he sees in the Lankan line-up is their delay to draw up the final combinations so that the respective players could get into their respective slots and strengthen their positions and that would help them dispel undue pressure.