(WATCH) Mahela dismisses reports which claim he wasn't available to give a statement

by Zulfick Farzan 03-07-2020 | 12:40 PM

Colombo (News 1st); Former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Mahela Jayawardena dismissed certain media reports which claimed he was not available to provide a statement to the 'Special Investigation Unit on Prevention of Offenses Relating to Sports’ with regard to the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final fixing claims, made by Ex-Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

Jayawardena said he was informed via his counsel to appear at the SIU on Friday (03) to provide a statement and on Thursday (02) night he was informed by the SIU that a separate date would be allocated for him to provide a statement.

He said certain media reports on Friday morning claimed he was not appearing at the SIU citing personal reasons and stressed he never made such a claim.

The Former Cricket Captain highlighted that he decided to appear at the SIU despite being told not to by investigators as he believed there needs to be justice.

"I love the sport of cricket and I respect the sport," said Jayawardena noting it was his responsibility to provide required details to the investigators.

Mahela Jayawardena requested not to publish unverified reports about him adding he has a responsibility to ensure an environment is created for cricket to be played in a proper manner in Sri Lanka.

Jayawardena went on to note he would extend his support to the investigations and praised the conduct of the investigating officers.

Yesterday, former Captain Kumar Sangakkara's statement was recorded.

Public angst against the cricketing greats being hauled to the investigative unit reached fever pitch on Thursday on social media, as Sangakkara was quizzed for several hours.

It was on the back of this that Friday’s statement by Jayawardena has now been postponed.

The investigation follows a brazen statement by former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who alleged the 2011 Cricket World Cut Final between Sri Lanka and India was fixed.