President shows gratitude to Thilanga for expelling ‘Lakbima’ editor

 Sunday, 11 May 2014 

The president has called Thilanga Sumathipala and commended him for having sacked, at his request, Saman Wagarachchi, the editor of ‘Lakbima’ who had been quite a headache to the government and its allied Premadasa faction of the UNP. In a move of gratitude, the president has promised Thilanga the position of Sri Lanka Cricket presidency.

“Jayantha Dharmadasa is a dull man. He plays funny games. He gives Board’s news to the media. Especially to websites. The Board takes a decision and even before the secretary takes down the minutes, it is posted on websites. It is Jayantha who is behind all conspiracies against Nishantha. He does not listen although I ask him not to make unnecessary problems. I am giving you the presidency upon one promise. I know you and he are at odds. Whoever says anything I will not remove Nishantha. Think and tell me if you can work with him,” the president has told Thilanga.

In answer, Thilanga has said, “I did not know that you like Nishantha so much, sir. During Chandrika’s time, when he was at Rupavahini, we requested some master tapes from him to do a documentary on you, sir. His quick response was “Do you make documentaries about thieves?” He said the tapes can be given for a fee.”

Without taking Thilanga’s response seriously, the president has said, “I mostly get closer to those who had attacked me in the past. Those who attacked me and planned to kill me in the past serve me better.”

If Thilanga will agree, at the president’s request and taking him as an example, to work together with Nishantha at SLC, he will get the presidency of the cricket governing body.