Ranatunga calls for more Indo-Lanka matches

Colombo, Jan 2 (UNI) Newly-appointed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chairman Arjuna Ranatunga has given his stamp of approval for forging close cricketing ties with financial behemoth India.

The former skipper also said that cricketing ties between the two countries should be held as a permanent fixture.

''I am going to hold a meeting with the CEO Duleep Mendis and other officials and work out the possibility of having regular exchange programmes regarding cricket matches with India,'' Ranatunga was quoted by the local media.

The 42-year-old said he will discuss the matter with his collegues and will hold talks with the Indian board officials about his proposal.

Interestingly, Ranatunga will also take over as the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) by August this year.

Ranatunga will be Sri Lanka's fifth ACC president. The post was first held by Gamini Dissanayake in 1985-87, followed by pali Dharmadasa 10 years later, and Thilanga Sumathipala and Jayntha Dharmadasa.

Ranatunga, a Member of Parliament representing the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), has taken over as SLC chairman at a time when the emarald island is finding it hard to find able replacement of its ageing stars.

Recently, Ranatunga stressed the need to introduce a national sports policy through parliamentary regulations.

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