Former Sri Lankan Test cricketer Asantha De Mel, the secretary of the interim committee which oversees cricketing activities in Sri Lanka, today met the chairman of the Asian Cricket Foundation (ACF), Jagmohan Dalmiya to discuss various issues related to the development of cricket in the region.

De Mel, who flew into Kolkata on Sunday night, mainly discussed about Sri Lanka's role in the Asian cricket development programme envisaged by the ACF.

The two cricket administrators, who met for about two hours, also discussed on ways to implement the development programme in the island nation and various aspects of the detailed development plan drawn up by the ACF. They identified areas of cooperation in an effort to streamline the programmes and promote the game in new areas.

De Mel also briefed Dalmiya about the cricketing scenario prevailing in Sri Lanka following the suspension of the country's cricket board.

Sri Lanka's tourism and sports minister, Lakshman Kiriella was also to have attended the meeting but cancelled his trip due to the fluid political situation prevailing in the island nation.

Apart from De Mel, the interim committee, set up after the cricket board was suspended, comprised C. Mallela Sekhara as chairman and former Sri Lankan captains Anura Tennekoon and Michael Tissera.

The meeting assumes importance in view of the two-day ACF conclave scheduled to be held in Kolkata from July 31.

© PTI