By Saroj Pathirana BBC Sinhala service

	Mr.Ranatunga accused 'cricket mafia' of undermning his administration

A government official will run the day-to-day affairs of the national game until a new management committee can be appointed.

Explaining the decision, the Sports Minister, Gamini Lokuge told the media that the head of the outgoing board, the former Sri Lankan captain, Arjuna Ranatunga had a poor relationship both with country's players and with the staff of his own board.

Mr. Ranatunga, a parliamentarian representing the ruling coalition was appointed as the head of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 01 January this year.

'Part of mafia'

The World Cup winning captain earlier told BBC Sandeshaya (Sinhala service) that “a cricket mafia” has been hampering his work since he took over the office.

But the minister told the BBC that Mr. Ranatunga was “part of the so-called cricket mafia”.

Who is this mafia? Thilanga Sumathipala, Jayantha Dharmadasa and so on. Arjuna was part of this mafia and his brother Dammika Ranatunga even served under Mr. Sumathipla Minister Gamini Lokuge

“Who is this mafia? Thilanga Sumathipala, Jayantha Dharmadasa and so on. Arjuna was part of this mafia and his brother Dammika Ranatunga even served under Mr. Sumathipla,” Minister Lokuge said.

Hashan Thilakaratne, a former Test captain, also accused the minister of underminig Ranatunga administration.

It was the first time a world cup winning captain was appointed as the head of the cricket board in any Test playing country.

Mr. Lokuge who initially said he would call for elections for the SLC, did not confirm whether elections would be called or he would appoint another Interim Council.