In a combative press conference, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva vehemently responded to the allegations made by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe. The exchange comes in the wake of increased scrutiny over the cricket board's financial management and governance.

President Silva began the conference by questioning whether Members of Parliament had thoroughly reviewed the audit report in question. He went on to assert that if Minister Ranasinghe looked in the mirror, he would see that the real culprit behind the cricket board's financial woes was Arjuna Ranatunga's younger brother, Nishantha. Silva dismissed any implication of theft on his part, stating, "We are not thieves. When I was born, my father had four cars 60 years ago."

The SLC President continued to counter the Minister's allegations by shifting blame onto the previous administration, asserting that it was Nishantha Ranatunga who had driven the board to bankruptcy. The press conference took a personal turn as Silva defended his family's financial history.

Addressing the issue of losing international recognition in rugby, football, and cricket under Minister Ranasinghe's watch, Silva argued that this reflected poorly on the minister's oversight. He claimed that his personal security had come under threat, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

"We haven't robbed a single penny," Silva asserted, refuting any implication of financial impropriety on the part of the SLC. The press conference occurred following the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to ban SLC membership, adding further strain to the already tense situation.

The exchange between the SLC President and the Sports Minister underscores the deepening crisis within Sri Lankan cricket administration. The accusations and counter-accusations have raised questions about accountability, transparency, and the future of cricket governance in the country. T