Colombo: Sri Lanka's chairman of selectors Guy de Alwis has tendered his resignation protesting against "persistent political interference" in team selection process. "The Minister of Sports has interfered in everything from the time I took over and there is no way that I can continue in such circumstances," said de Alwis, who had just been re-appointed chairman of a new five-man panel. De Alwis, who skipped a press conference on Monday to discuss selection for the Sharjah Cup, apparently took the decision to step down after the refusal of Sports Minister Johnston Fernando to ratify his original 15-man squad for the four-nation tournament starting on April 3. Speaking to the 'Island' newspaper, he launched a scathing attack on Fernando's continual interference, claiming he had no option but to stand down. "Every single time I sent in a team for ministerial approval he has opposed it and you simply can't work like this," De Alwis was reported as saying by Cricinfo website. De Alwis is the third chairman of selectors to resign during Sport Minister Fernando's one and half year tenure. Aravinda de Silva, who took over a position in the selection panel after his retirement from international cricket, is the leading candidate for the post. Extras:
Jayasuriya named Lanka captain for Sharjah

Tags: cricket, sri lanka's chairman of selectors guy de alwis, sharjah cup, sri lankan sports minister johnston fernando, aravinda de silva.