Draining millions on legal battles overshadow SLC’s financial gains
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) may have recorded its highest-ever revenue in 2024, but the governing body continues to bleed millions in legal expenses, with figures from its latest financial statements raising eyebrows over the organisation’s priorities.
According to the disclosures, SLC has been embroiled in a staggering 44 cases across various courts in the country. These include proceedings before the magistrate’s court, district court, commercial high court and even the court of appeal. In addition, four cases are currently under review at the labour tribunal, while a further eight have been settled during the period under review.
The financial impact of these legal entanglements is considerable. In 2024, SLC spent Rs. 250.4 million on legal expenses alone. While this marks a reduction from the Rs. 319.2 million spent in 2023, the figure remains an exorbitant amount for a sporting body. Much of this cost has arisen from defamation suits, cases filed against former sports ministers and journalists, aimed at safeguarding the Board’s image amidst persistent public scrutiny and criticism.
The publication of the financial statements paints a picture of sharp contrasts. On one hand, SLC’s revenue has soared to an unprecedented Rs. 17.9 billion in 2024. This represents an increase of nearly Rs. 5.7 billion compared to the Rs. 12.1 billion generated in 2023, thanks largely to grants from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Yet, even as income rises, expenditure has spiralled at an equally rapid pace. Total expenses for the year amounted to Rs. 16.3 billion, up from Rs. 12.07 billion in 2023. The single largest component of this expenditure was international cricket, which accounted for Rs. 6.2 billion. Administration and other costs followed at Rs. 3.8 billion, a category that notably included the massive legal fees.
While a cricket body is expected to invest in grassroots development, infrastructure and player welfare, the fact that hundreds of millions of rupees are instead being funnelled into defending its public image has sparked concern.
Despite this, the financials underline the considerable commercial strength of SLC—generating close to Rs. 18 billion in revenue in the 2024 financial yyear, especially in a sporting economy as volatile as Sri Lanka’s. Yet the sustainability of such growth depends on how well the Board manages its escalating costs.