Colombo, First Published Apr 13, 2022, 5:16 PM IST
Former captain Arjuna Ranatunga has urged Sri Lankan players playing in the lucrative IPL T20 series to leave the series immediately and take part in the people’s struggle against the state in the country.
Poor economic environment
Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence. People are losing their livelihoods due to rising prices, food shortages, power cuts and poverty.
The Sri Lankan government has been unable to import petrol, diesel, food items, powder, medicines and essential commodities from abroad due to low foreign exchange reserves. The Sri Lankan government has sought help from China and India
Struggle
People have been taking to the streets to protest against President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa over the Sri Lankan government’s mismanagement of the country’s economy.
However, Hazaranga, Panuka Rajapaksa, Mahesh Deeksana, Dushmanth Sameera and Samika Karunaratne have been playing in different teams in the IPL T20 series in Sri Lanka.
Exit
In this situation, the former captain of the Sri Lankan team Arjuna Ranatunga has made a request to the Sri Lankan players. He said:
Some players from our country are playing in the IPL series, but I do not know why the issue in the country has not been discussed yet. It is unfortunate that people do not speak out and fear against the ruling government. All these players play on the cricket board under the Ministry of Sports. They are trying to keep the job. Some young players have volunteered to express their views in support of the people’s struggle.
It takes courage
When something goes wrong, you have to have the courage to speak out against it without worrying about your own work. Some ask me why I did not take part in the struggle. I have been in politics for the last 19 years and this is not a political issue. So far no political party leaders have gone and participated in this struggle, it is a struggle waged by the people
Come to the fight
Sri Lankan players must leave the IPL series and take part in the people’s struggle for at least a week. I do not want to mention the name you know who is playing in the IPL series. They should leave the IPL series and support the people’s struggle.
Thus said Ranatunga
Last Updated Apr 13, 2022, 5:16 PM IST