Ex-Co linked clubs among biggest beneficiaries of SLC grants
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the governing body of the country’s most followed sport, has once again drawn attention for the manner in which its finances are managed. A review of SLC’s latest financial statements shows extensive related-party transactions, raising questions about governance, transparency, and possible conflicts of interest within the organisation.
Payments categorised as ‘Transactions with Related Entities’ amount to over Rs. 2bn (Rs. 2,041,383,177) in 2024 and again over Rs. 2bn (Rs. 2,078,418,418) in 2023. Much of it has gone towards grants and service-related expenditures. While these allocations are intended to support clubs and associations, several of the beneficiaries are organisations linked to SLC’s own Executive Committee members, the statements show.
For instance, the Colombo Cricket Club, headed by SLC President Shammi Silva, received Rs. 284.7 million in 2024, the third-largest disbursement after the Western Province Cricket Association (Rs. 371.2 million) and the North Central Province Cricket Association (Rs. 353.1 million).
The Western Province Cricket Association is led by Kithsiri de Mel, an SLC Executive Committee Member, with SLC Secretary Bandula Dissanayake also serving as its Secretary. Meanwhile, SLC Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda holds the post of Secretary of the North Central Province Cricket Association.
Similarly, the Central Province Cricket Association, where Ex-Co Member Janaka Pathirana is Secretary, received Rs. 260.6 million. The Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) collected Rs. 105.2 million, while the School Cricket Association, a key body for grassroots development, was allocated Rs. 96.6 million. On record, these are classified as ‘development grants’. However, the overlap between decision-makers and beneficiaries highlights a potential governance concern.
Another notable example is that of SLC Vice President Jayantha Dharmadasa. In addition to his Board role, Dharmadasa also heads the Nawaloka Group and Cafe77, both service providers to SLC. In 2024, Cafe77 billed Rs. 49.2 million for services, while the Nawaloka Group, which had already received Rs. 102.5 million in 2023, was paid a further Rs. 3.4 million in 2024. Kalutara Physical Culture Club is the only related party which had not received any financial support from the SLC during this period.