Lokuge explains Tillakaratne exit

Gamini Lokuge disapproved of the manner of Hashan Tillakaratne's appointment

Sports minister Gamini Lokuge has defended the decision to remove Hashan Tillakaratne from his position as Sri Lanka team manager just one day after his appointment.

Tillakaratne was last Tuesday named as the successor to Shriyan Samararatne, whose contract expired following the Asia Cup, but just 24 hours later the 41-year-old was removed from his new role.

Lokuge stated his major concern was that Tillakaratne's appointment as manager for the Test and one-day series with India was made without the approval of the executive committee of the Interim Committee running cricket in Sri Lanka.

"This is not a one-man company,” Lokuge said. “If an appointment has to be made you got to put it to the committee members for approval and this was not done. I have asked for the appointment to be made in the right way.”

Lokuge maintains Tillakaratne is capable of fulfilling the role. “I have no grudge against Hashan,” he added. “He is fit for the job but this job is not for a politician.”

Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive Duleep Mendis is now looking for a manager. He said: “The Minister has not approved the manager’s appointment and we will now have to select a manager.”

The first Test against India in Colombo begins tomorrow.