Harin Responds To "Viral Video" Of Sri Lankan Cricket Team: "It's Just Dressing Room Banter: No Need It Take It Too Seriously"

February 18, 2019

Responding to the video of Sri Lankan cricketers expressing their views on issues confronting them, Sports Minister Harin Fernando said it was just "dressing room banter." 

The video, captured during the post-match celebration after the conclusion of the Sri Lanka-South Africa first Test match in Durban, circulated widely on social media over the weekend. 

"There is nothing serious about the video. Every team engages such discussions after a match. No need to worry too much about the views they have expressed at an internal meeting," the Minister added. 

"We, however, conducted an initial inquiry and we found out that it had been recorded by someone who did not speak the Sinhalese language," he explained. The Minister also said he managed to send a cake to the Sri Lankan dressing room after the conclusion of the first Test match and congratulated the team on their hard-earned victory. 

In the video, Sri Lankan fast bowler and the former captain of the Test team Suranga Lakmal is seen using foul language to respond to those who recently criticized the performance of the Sri Lankan Cricket team. 

Lakmal also encourages every player of the team to perform and strengthen "team unity" ahead of the second Test match against South Africa and clinch the series.