"Sri Lanka authorities failed to properly liaise"

(March 05, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) UNP M.P. Lakshman Kiriella addressing the media today (5 Mar) at the UNP media unit, on the terrorist attack on the SL cricket team in Lahore on the 3 rd March , said the Pakistan top Army, Police brass and Authorities who had grave security concerns about the SL team’s impending visit had a top flight meeting on 23 -01-2009 in Pakistan . They expected a possible attack. But, it is our High Commission in Pakistan and cricketing Board in SL who did not properly liaise with them and follow up in the security measures to be taken.


On the day of attack , the Govt. in Lahore had been dissolved by the Supreme Court (SC) and it was a period of transition in Lahore . In other words, administration and security were below par there . How did the SL High Commission which has also a military attache who is conversant with security aspects allow the cricketers to travel to the Gaddafi stadium which is five miles away from the Hotel where they stayed, in these circumstances ? he asked.

If the cricketing Board has become bankrupt due to corrupt activities , it is the Govt.’s duty to investigate as to the cause, rather than risk the SL cricket and lives of cricketers to fill up the coffers. If the Govt. can provide funds for the white elephant Mihinair , and risk public funds on hedging soodhuwa , why not also divert funds to the cricket Board ? he asked.

-Sri Lanka Guardian