Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today attributed the Sri Lankan cricket team's historic win against South Africa to the newly-appointed Sports Minister Harin Fernando. 

Sri Lanka today thrashed South Africa 2-0 in a Test series to become the first Asian team to beat South Africa in a test series in home conditions. 

"When the UNP suffered a series of defeats I sent Harin Fernando to Badulla to become the Chief Ministerial candidate and turn the tide. When the Sri Lanka cricket team faced a similar plight, I decided to appoint Harin Fernando as the Sports Minister thinking he is the only person who could change the situation," the Prime Minister said, addressing a public function this evening. 

"He should not stop at winning this series. He must also clean up the current mess in the cricket administration. It should be depoliticized," Wickremesinghe added. 

The Prime Minister's remarks come only two days after the appointment of a new management to the Cricket team after a delayed election. 

The new President of SLC Shammi Silva and other elected board of officials are close allies of Thilanga Sumathipala, a former SLC chairman and an opposition lawmaker. 

Sumathipala was barred from running for the SLC election due to his interests in the gambling business. 

Meanwhile, Minister Harsha de Silva also requested Harin Fernando to ensure that recently ‘elected’ persons don’t ruin SLC again and implement the plan formulated by former senior cricketers Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara. 

"Well done @OfficialSLC! Many congratulations!! You have demonstrated what unity, determination n teamwork can do. A lesson for all. @IamDimuth @CHathurusinghe. @fernandoharin please ensure recently ‘elected’ persons don’t ruin SLC again. Implement @MahelaJay @KumarSanga2 plan," de Silva tweeted.