Former cricketer and minister Arjuna Ranatunga has called on all Sri Lankan players playing in the IPL to return home and support the current economic crisis in their country.
Sri Lanka is facing a severe economic crisis due to food and fuel shortages, including a tourism freeze by Corona and inflation. The economy in Sri Lanka has been in decline, especially since the onset of the corona epidemic.
As a result, the popular struggle against President Gotabhaya’s government is intensifying day by day. In a video yesterday, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa called on the people to keep the peace and bring the situation under control. In this situation, due to the economic crisis in the country, the players playing in the IPL to return to the country, Arjuna Ranatunga Has called.
He said, “Some of the Sri Lankan players who were bid for the highest amount did not speak boldly about the problems prevailing in their country. I do not know who they are. Unfortunately, these cricketers are afraid to speak out against the government. These cricketers also work on the cricket board under the ministry, trying to protect their jobs.
Some young cricketers, however, have automatically come forward and issued statements in support of the struggle. “If something goes wrong, they should have the courage to speak out against it, not just think about your work. People ask me why you do 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 or politician has been involved in the protests. That is why I did not take part in the struggles. That is the greatest strength of the people of this country.
I hope you all know who the players playing in IPL are. I do not want to name anyone. But I want those players to leave their IPL matches for a week and return to the country in support of the struggles, ”he said.
Arjuna Ranatunga also said that Prime Minister Rajapaksa was trying to gain sympathy from the youth by examining what had happened in the last two years and making changes accordingly. He said people should apologize.
Earlier, Sri Lankan soldiers Vanindu Hasaranga and Banuka Rajapaksa expressed support for the people’s struggle. Similarly, former players Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene had expressed support for the people. While former players Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga have coached Rajasthan in the IPL, many players, including Hasaranga and Sameera, have played for several teams in the IPL.