Thilanga Sumathipala accepts that his brother pays taxes on betting

Colombo (News 1st): Yesterday (March 19) in Parliament, former President of Sri Lanka Cricket Thilanga Sumathipala accepted that his brother pays taxes on betting related activities. Speaking on the matter Minister Arjuna Ranatunga noted that according to the Sports Law of the country and the ICC's Code of Ethics, a person cannot hold office if he is directly or indirectly involved in carrying out the business of gaming or betting. He noted that when an allegation is made against a sportsman, he is not permitted to enter the premises of the sports center, however, in this instance, Thilanga Sumathipala shamelessly with those at SLC pose for photographs with personnel from the ICC. Ranatunga noted that Sumathipala portrays this as not an issue. He accepted the fact his father was connected to betting and his brother is in the betting business. Minister Ranatunga noted that he is happy Sumathipala accepted it, but it is disappointing to note, that the former sports minister did not listen to them and did not pay any attention. He said they turned a blind eye towards these concerns and at present, there is a huge responsibility on the laurels of the incumbent sports minister, to realize if such people are in cricket administration. He questioned; " Should there be such an administration? How can the country move ahead with such an administration for cricket?" He noted that the matches are fixed and the papers for this are printed by Thilanga Sumathipala's brother and it is Thilanga Sumathipala who works with the cricket administration. Therefore he noted that Sumathipala can even influence the players to commit a wrong act.