The chief selector was referring to accusations by Marvan Atapattu that the latter was not treated with dignity by the national selectors.

"He (Atapattu) expected support from his players as the skipper but did not offer the same to Mahela Jayawardene," de Mel told BBC Sandeshaya.

Skipper Jayawardene urged the selectors to conduct a special meeting with Atapattu before taking him back to the team as a result, de Mel claimed.

“Jayawardene publicly told that in a meeting with us,” de Mel added.

Atapattu who was a member of the team during the World Cup in the Caribbean was made a virtual spectator as he was not offered a place in the final elevan.

Atapattu refused to attend a meeting with the selectors prior to his selection to the team touring australia later this month.

"I will not attend meetings as long as Mr. De Mel chairs the select committee," Atapattu told BBCSinhala.com.

Categorically rejecting allegations of discrimination in team selections, de Mel said the selectors only choose a team to tour but the final eleven is selected by the captain and the manager.

"What he needs to understand is no player is indispensable. Players come and go and the game of cricket goes on”.

The chief selector expressed surprise at former all rounder Upul Chandana’s accusations of discrimination in national team selection.

“When I took over Chandana was out of the team. I am the one who brought him back”.

The outspoken de Mel also launched a scathing attack on the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) interim committee.

Chairman of the Committee, Jayantha Dharmadasa, questioned the decisions taken by de Mel-led selectors, last week.

“If the best player was not offered a place there is something wrong with the selecting process," Dharmadasa told BBC Sandeshaya commenting on accusations by Anil Ridheegammanagedara, who was adjudged player and best bowler of the year.

“This is what happens when those who have not played cricket takes over cricket administration,” de Mel said.

“He should understand that the standard of club cricket and national cricket is completely different. Many national players even do not take part in club level”.

Being adjudged the best player in the club cricket does not necessarily mean he is talented enough for the international level, De Mel added.