Three Sri Lankan selectors resign over Atapattu debacle

Three Sri Lankan selectors handed over their resignation to the Sports Minister Johnstone Fernando on Friday following the selection debacle that preceded the second Janashakthi National Test in Kandy.

The five-man panel caused a furor in the Sri Lankan team when they announced that vice-captain Marvan Atapattu and fast bowler Charitha Fernando would be rested for the game so that two youngsters could be given an opportunity to gain experience.

The team management, who were not properly consulted over the issue, complained that with the series not yet won the time was not ripe for experimentation. With their requests for the selectors to change their mind falling on deaf ears, they turned to the Sports Minister, who eventually overruled the selectors, who are accountable to the ministry.

The three to hand over their resignation included former Test cricketers Kapila Wijegunawardene, Brendon Kurrupu, and Amal Silva. All three had stubbornly refused to accede the team management's request on Thursday night for a rethink.

The remaining two members, Chairman Tikiri Banda Khelgamuwa, a former Ceylon fast bowler with a controversial bowling action, and K.A. Nelson, a former club cricketer, have not handed in their resignation.

There has been no confirmation from the ministry as to whether their resignations have been accepted or indication as to whether Khelgamuwa and Nelson will also be asked to stand down.