Upul Tharanga was tested positive for a dope test during the World Cup

SLC Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga made the revelation when journalists questioned the controversy over President Mahinda Rajapaksa's physician allegedly prescribing a banned substance to Upul Tharanga.

Kumar Sangakkara was the captain of the national team during the World Cup.

"The captain made a written request asking for the services of Dr White for the national team. It is not that we appointed him officially," Mr Ranatunga said.

Medical qualifications

He added that it was Mr White who treated former Test star Lasith Malinga.

Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) earlier told BBC Sinhala service, Sandeshaya that Eliyantha White is not a registered doctor in Sri Lanka.

	SLC Secretary has avoided answering questions about Mr White

SLMC Registrar Dr NJ Nonis told BBC Sinhala service: “The person named Eliyantha White is not registered in the Council either as a medical practitioner, dentist or an assistant medical practitioner.”

Six national sports personalities including cricket star Upul Tharanga have recently failed doping tests.

Tharanga has been tested positive for taking a banned substance after the World Cup semi-final match against New Zealand on 29 March.

When BBC Sandeshaya questioned whether the SLC checked Mr White's medical qualifications before allowing the national players to get treatment from him, Mr Ranatunga left the room without any comment.

SLC treasurer Sujeewa Rajapaksa meanwhile admitted that the country's richest sports body is in a financial crisis after the World Cup.