The United National Party (UNP) today alleged that diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and India have completely fallen apart and that the government and External Affairs Ministry should be held responsible for this situation.
UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella stated that this has affected Sri Lankan cricketers and that they are facing a grave dilemma.
Bowing to intense political pressure, top Sri Lankan players were withdrawn from the Chennai matches of the IPL after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa refused to host them due to the growing political tensions in the state regarding Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Former captain Arjun Ranatunga had slammed the IPL Governing Council’s decision to withdraw Lanka cricketers from Chennai matches of the tournament and asked the players to opt out of the entire high-profile event beginning April 3.
However, Lakshman Kiriella stated that the issue has to be handled by the government through diplomatic discussions between the foreign ministry and India and that justice should be done to the cricketers through the cricket board.
