In a strategic and symbolic move, President Ranil Wickremesinghe made an unexpected appearance at the final match of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023, effectively delivering a political message to Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe. This surprise attendance by the President has added a new layer of intrigue to the ongoing controversy surrounding the tournament.

The President's presence at the LPL 2023 final, despite earlier claims by Sports Minister Ranasinghe that the tournament lacked legal standing, was interpreted by many as a subtle yet powerful message. President Wickremesinghe's decision to attend the event demonstrated his support for the LPL and, indirectly, his disapproval of the Sports Minister's stance on its legality.

Sports Minister Ranasinghe had previously boycotted the LPL 2023 opening ceremony, citing concerns about the tournament's legal status. However, the President's attendance, accompanied by former Sports Minister and current Tourism Minister Harin Fernnado and Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman Shammi Silva, seemed to challenge this assertion.

While this was not an overt confrontation, the President's presence at the LPL final has deepened the political intrigue surrounding the event. It leaves room for speculation about the President's stance on the tournament's legitimacy and the broader implications for the ongoing feud between key figures in Sri Lanka's sports and political arenas.