On September 01, he has responded to the interim committee’s request for explanation.

There had been allegations that Atapattu has been appointed to the position on a unilateral decision by his brother-in-law, the then SLC secretary Nishantha Ranatunga, who approved the highest ever payment to a local coach.

Chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya resigned over pressure to a committee appointed to select a coach at the time, while the then chairman Jayantha Dharmadasa strongly opposed Atapattu’s appointment.

Reports say bowling coach Chaminda Vaas resigned due to pressure from Atapattu.