The decision by Sri Lanka Cricket to grant Rs. 400 000 to nine hand-picked media personnel in exchange for ‘positive coverage’ of the SLC’s operations during the ICC World Cup tour has raised eyebrows among local sports journalists.
In the board paper numbered MC 06/ COO 07.06.04 titled ‘Media Personnel request to sponsor to cover ICC WC 2019’ in which nine media personnel were named, said the personnel were recommended to cover the upcoming ICC WC 2019 in the United Kingdom and to assist them financially to cover their expenses as a goodwill gesture.
“In return, we will monitor their positive coverage in all areas of SLC operation at no extra cost,” it also read.
Speaking to the Sunday Observer, CEO of the SLC Ashley de Silva claimed that by ‘positive coverage’, the SLC was referring to the fact that the media personnel must ensure they report the truth.
“What we want them to do is to report the correct facts as it is an important event that takes place once in four years,” Silva said. He added that the SLC is merely expecting the media personnel to give publicity to the tournament and the Sri Lankan cricket team.