By Saroj Pathirana BBC Sandeshaya

	Atappattu says his international career is far from over

The veteran opening batsman has snubbed an attempt by Asantha de Mel to discuss his selection to the team touring Australia later this month.

“I will not attend any meeting as long as it is chaired by Mr. de Mel,” Atapattu who was twice made a virtual spectator in Sri Lanka’s journey towards the world glory told BBC Sandeshaya.

'Falling star'

As well as in 1996 when Sri Lanka achieved the most prestigious milestone in world cricket, Atapattu did not figure in any of the games in 2007 as Sri Lanka reached finals against mighty Australia.

Atapattu was quite dissapointed as the writer met him in Barbados after the finals.

I am always available for selection. It is only I did not want to attend the meetings headed by de Mel Marvan Atapattu

When told that certain media has described him as a "divine star" for the Sri Lankan squad due to his appearance in 1996 and 2007, a confused Atapattu smiled and murmured: “a falling star…”

He was said to be furious of the being dropped by, allegedly on the instructions of the chief selector, from every game while in the Caribbean.

International career

Atapattu, 36, made his debut in 1990 and scored 5,330 runs in 88 Tests and 8,529 runs in one-day internationals.

He was forced out of cricket in March 2006 after suffering a recurrence of a back injury paving the way for Mahela Jayawardene to cement his place as a successful skipper.

	President Rajapaksa has ordered minister to investigate Chandana's accusations

Atapattu later refused an attempt by the selectors to get him on board for a series against Bangladesh and requested to be omitted from national contracts.

But he denies refusing the meeting with de Mel means he has decided end his international career.

“I am always available for selection. It is only I did not want to attend the meetings headed by de Mel,” he told BBCSinhala.com.

SLC concerned

Marvan Atapattu added that he was not informed of being selected to the Australian tour as de Mel sought a meeting with him.

Atapattu is not the only Sri Lankan player to have questioned the national team selection.

If the best player was not offered a place there is something wrong with the selecting process Jayantha Dharmadasa

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has reportedly ordered sports minister to investigate after former all-rounder Upul Chandana slammed the national selectors.

The outcome of the probe however is yet to be known.

Player and the Best Bowler of the year, Anil Ridheegammangedara, revealed to BBC Sandeshaya that he would join the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) unless offered an opportunity to represent Sri Lanka.

The chairman of the Interim Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) also voiced concern.

"If the best player was not offered a place there is something wrong with the selecting process," Jayantha Dharmadasa said.