Following is the sequence of events that have taken place up to the date of this release.
On 1st July, 1998 the national selectors announced a squad of eighteen (18) players for the tour of England. Roshan Mahanama was not included in the said squad.
In response to an inquiry made by the Ministry of Sports, the selectors giving reasons for his exclusion stated that Roshan was not included in the said squad in view of his lack of batting form.
In the meantime on 10th July, 1998 Roshan being a contracted player of the BCCSL for the year of 1998 applied to the BCCSL for two months leave. The BCCSL in reply requested Roshan to reconsider his decision to absent himself for such a long period from cricket and instead, suggested that he takes a shorter period of 7-10 days leave if necessary and thereafter to take part in the ongoing tour of South Africa 'A' team as advised by the chairman of selectors.
Thereafter Roshan Mahanama wrote a further letter to the BCCSL supported with a medical report recommending him 'a few weeks leave', and requested that he be granted the two months leave as originally requested by him.
The BCCSL in view of the medical report submitted by him had no option than to grant to him the leave requested for, i.e. two months.
Consequently Duleep Mendis - Chairman of Selectors on 22nd July, 1998 wrote to the President of the BCCSL stating that it was the view of the selectors that Roshan Mahanama should seek advise and guidance of an expert 'Batting Coach' with a view to rectifying the technical defects in his batting.
The chairman of selectors has also informed the BCCSL that on Roshan Mahanama undergoing such coaching programme, he should thereafter take part in competitive cricket in order for him to be considered for selection to the national squad.
However the BCCSL is unable to render Roshan Mahanama the necessary assistance as recommended by the selectors in view of the medical report submitted by him and that fact that he has been granted two months leave as requested by him.
The BCCSL wishes to further inform the media and the public that in no circumstances does the BCCSL involve itself in the process of selecting players for the national squad and that the selection of players remain the exclusive, unshared and sole responsibility of the national selectors appointed for that purpose by the Minister of Sports.