“Leave the IPL for a week and support the country,” Arjuna Ranatunga advises Sri Lankan players
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Arjuna Ranatunga
Former cricketer and minister Arjuna Ranatunga urged all Sri Lankan players competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday to come and support their country during the ongoing economic crisis. Sri Lanka is in the grip of a severe economic crisis, with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large proportion of the island’s population. Since the beginning of the COVID-19, the economy has been in free fall.
“I’m not sure, but there are some cricketers who are making a lot of money in the IPL but haven’t spoken about their country. Unfortunately, people are afraid to criticise the government. These cricketers are also employed by the cricket board, which is overseen by the ministry, and they are attempting to keep their jobs. However, they must now take action because some of the young cricketers have come forward and made statements in support of the protest “ANI quoted Arjuna Ranatunga as saying.
“When something is wrong, you should have the courage to speak out and oppose it without regard for your business. People have asked me why I am not participating in the protests. It’s just that I’ve been in politics for 19 years and this isn’t a political issue. So far, none of the political parties or politicians have joined the protests, and this is the country’s greatest strength “Arjuna Ranatunga continued.
Previously, Sri Lankan players such as Wanindu Hasaranga and Bhanuka Rajapaksa joined the ongoing protests against the economic crisis.
“I’m sure you all know who the players in the IPL are. I’m not going to say who, but I’d like them to take a week off work to support the protests “said the ex-cricketer.
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“Economy has been falling since covid-19” – Says Arjuna Ranatunga
Sri Lanka is also dealing with a foreign exchange crisis, which has hampered its ability to import food and fuel. Due to a lack of essential goods, Sri Lanka was forced to seek assistance from friendly countries.
The economic situation has led to huge protests with demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Earlier, in a special address to the nation on Monday, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa requested people to remain patient and stop taking to the streets in order to enable the government to resolve the situation.
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Shubh Dinesh Jain
(211 Articles Published)