The Court of Appeal has decided to defer further consideration of the case filed against the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Interim Committee until December 13. 

This development occurred when the case was brought before the Appeals Court, and the attorney-at-law representing the new Sports Minister Harin Fernando sought additional time for his client to deliberate on the matter and convey his stance to the bench.

The case, initially brought forth on Nov.06, pertains to the appointment of a seven-member Interim Committee by the then-Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe. Chaired by World Cup-winning former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga, the committee was formed with the intention of overseeing SLC matters. The composition included retired Supreme Court and High Court judges, as well as legal professionals.

However, on Nov.07, the Appeals Court issued a 14-day stay order on the Interim Committee following a writ application filed by SLC President Shammi Silva. The stay order temporarily halted the committee's activities, pending further legal considerations.

On Nov.13, Minister Ranasinghe filed a motion requesting the lifting of the stay order. Subsequently, on Nov.27, President Ranil Wickremesinghe removed Minister Ranasinghe from all his positions, including Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs. This led to the appointment of Harin Fernando as the new Minister of Sports.

In the most recent court proceedings, Minister Fernando gave an undertaking before the Appeals Court, assuring that no further action would be taken in respect of the gazette notification issued by his predecessor, Ranasinghe. The case has now been scheduled for further consideration on December 13, allowing the new Sports Minister sufficient time to formulate and present his position to the court.