Feb 25, Colombo: Ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Colombo district MP and former cricket administrator Thilanga Sumathipala has received the blessings of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest for the post of Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket, reliable sources have said.

Accordingly, Sumathipala is expected to hand over nominations on Wednesday, sources say.

Sources say that MP Namal Rajapaksa, the eldest son of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is one of the foremost supporters of Sumathipala.

Former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga and former Chairman of cricket interim committee Jayantha Dharmadasa who is the brother of current Chairman Upali Dharmadasa also have expressed interests of contesting for the post.

Sumathipala entered into the race for the presidency last year as well, but pulled out at the last minute leaving Upali Dharmadasa to win the election on January 3, 2012. Sumathipala, the Managing Director of Sumathi Group of Companies, was the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka from 1997–1998, 2000–2001 and 2003-2004. He Was the Director of the International Cricket Council in 1998-2000 and held the position of the President of the Asian Cricket Council in 1997-1998. He was the Chairman of the Asian Cricket Committee in 2000-2001.