Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara lashed out at former cricket captain and current Cabinet colleague Arjuna Ranatunga over his recent comments on a 'business-mafia' at Sri Lanka Cricket.

Taking part at the Salakuna political program in Hiru TV, Jayasekara said that Ranatunga was in good terms with Thilanga Sumathipala-whom he accuses as the leader of the business mafia-in the 1990s. The two of them collaborated to oust the then Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Board Ana Punchihewa, Jayasekara claimed.

"If Sumathipala was no businessman then how is he a businessman now?" asked Jayasekara. He added that he is unable to take sides in other peoples' differences.

The Sports Minister also said that the 'mafia' in Sri Lanka Cricket existed when Arjuna Ranatunga's brothers were involved. Ranatunga, when he was Chairman, appointed three of his brothers to positions in SLC and therefore he cannot speak against nepotism.

Ranatunga should either take care of his Ministry or take over the Sports Ministry and do a good job, rather than interfering in other peoples' affairs, said Jayasekara.