Our politicians have mismanaged country, democracy needs to return in Sri Lanka: Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya is both "angry" and "sad" to witness his beloved Sri Lanka grapple with ermous financial crisis and civil unrest but former cricketer is expecting that democracy will soon be restored in Island nation.

former captain and one of greatest players to emerge from sub-continent, Jayasuriya didn't mince words while flaying politicians, who he thinks have made a mess of everything.

"It is a very, very sad situation as to what Sri Lankan public has to go through. My country is suffering and I am deeply pained to see people standing in long queues to buy essential food items. re is electricity, fuel and above all basic medicines are unavailable. It couldn't have gotten worse for common man," Jayasuruya told PTI in an exclusive interaction.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose failed ecomic policies, have brought beautiful island nation down on its knees, has reportedly fled to Maldives and his palatial residence has been taken over by general public.

"How situation has panned out is really unfortunate. Hopefully, today on July 13th, Gotabaya will tender his resignation. re are words to describe how our politicians have completely mis-mand country," an angry Jayasuruiya added.

Jayasuriya, man who literally changed grammar of batting in ODI cricket back in mid '90s, is completely in favour of protestors, who have taken control of President's residence.

"If you ask me about public, who are currently inside President's house, I don't see anything wrong as y have been peaceful in ir protests. y have been repeatedly told to t vandalise public property. Yes, a lot of people have come from different parts of Sri Lanka. y all arrived in Colombo on July 9 with ir demand of president's resignation," Jayasuriya said.

"Everyone was told to look after belongings of President's House as some of items are of great value. thing untoward has happened inside building," he said.

Just like everyone else, Jayasuriya is hopeful that very soon democracy will return and things will slowly become rmal in long run.

Asked if he endorses Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's elevation as acting President, former Sri Lankan captain was clear in his thought process.

"Ranil has option but he has to adhere to orders from speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and do accordingly. To restore peace and democracy back in country, Ranil will need to speak to likes of Sajith Premadasa (Leader of opposition)along with ors cutting across party lines.

"He needs to bring on board country's Muslim leaders, Tamil leaders to discussion table. We need to have democracy restored in our country," Jayasuriya said.

"Hopeful Asia Cup will happen in Sri Lanka"

Even as protestors barged into Presidential building, Australian team's tour of Sri Lanka continued without any untoward incident and that gives Jayasuriya confidence of country being able to host Asia Cup T20, starting August "I am very confident that Asia Cup will happen and re is threat to tournament. In Sri Lanka, everyone loves cricket and cricketers from every nation. Sri Lankan public has absolutely thing against any cricketer. re will be all necessary support to hold tournament peacefully," Jayasuriya said.