SLC is an independent institution registered under the sports ministry, he says.

However, upon receiving summons by COPE, Sumathipala went before it recently, saying he would submit the previous administration’s corrupt activities to the committee.

Sumathipala being the deputy speaker, there has been an issue of parliamentary tradition over if the COPE chairman, only an MP, could question him.

A COPE member said on condition of anonymity that SLC being registered under the sports ministry itself was a valid reason to investigate it.

Committee chairman Sunil Handunnetti has instructed the sports secretary to submit a report in that regard.