A new Sri Lanka Cricket Bill is due to be presented in Parliament on Tuesday, 6 October, with Parliament scheduled to sit at 9.30 a.m., according to the Order Paper.
The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports is to introduce the legislation. Tuesday’s presentation will be the First Reading, the first stage in the parliamentary process.
The Bill seeks to place Sri Lanka Cricket under a new statutory framework covering the control, governance, regulation, promotion, development and administration of the sport. It also sets out the proposed constitution, powers and functions of the body.
Proposed changes
- A governance structure that includes independent directors.
- District Cricket Associations would no longer take part directly in Sri Lanka Cricket’s decision-making, and would instead work through Provincial Cricket Associations.
- Eligibility and disqualification criteria for directors, including restrictions linked to corruption, betting, match-fixing and certain sanctions imposed by cricket and anti-doping authorities.
The Bill also aims to promote good governance, integrity, transparency, accountability and inclusivity, to safeguard the welfare of those involved in the game, and to protect cricket from corruption and other improper conduct.
Cabinet earlier approved the drafting of legislation to restructure Sri Lanka Cricket. The Attorney General then cleared the Bill, and Cabinet approved its publication in the Government Gazette and its presentation to Parliament.
The outcome matters to Sri Lankan cricket followers because the Bill would change how the national governing body is run and who may serve on its board.