Prestigious Galle Cricket Club (GCC) is on the verge of being suspended by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for failing to amend its constitution as per the guidelines, Cricket Age Exclusively learns.
As per the guidelines/directive, core office bearers positions of the cricket clubs and associations must be held only by individuals who,
- Have been active members of the respective club or association for a minimum uninterrupted period of ten years.
- And have demonstrable experience in the club’s system and its administrative structure.
Accordingly SLC had directed all member clubs and associations to take appropriate steps to formally amend their respective constitutions to incorporate a mandatory eligibility criteria requiring a minimum of ten years membership within the club or association to be eligible to hold the position of president, secretary or treasurer.
As per directive, this constitutional amendment was supposed to be duly adopted and notified to board before 31st July 2025.
The motive of the directive is to safeguard the long term development of Cricket in the Island, as the principal office bearers of member clubs play a critical role in identifying, nurturing and supporting cricketing talents that may have eventually represent the country. Thus it is necessary that people who occupy such responsibilities have the requisite institutional knowledge and administrative experience.
However, the GCC has failed to comply with several directions issued by the cricket board with regard to the amendment of the Constitution of the Galle Cricket Club and the holding of elections accordingly.
The main culprit of the inevitable suspension embarrassment is GCC secretary Ruwan Galappaththy!
As GCC secretary, constitution amendment directions and several formal communications were communicated to Galappaththy. However, Instead of resolving it, he deliberately and wilfully concealed such communications from the club president Charles Silva and the Executive Committee (ExCo) of the Club.
As a direct consequence of Galappaththy’s concealment and inaction, one of the oldest and most prestigious Club now stands on the verge of suspension!
