Jerome Jayaratne is a suitable person to have replaced Asantha de Mel as the team manager of the Sri Lanka cricket team, former Sports Minister Harin Fernando said.

Social media users had criticised the move to appoint Jerome Jayarathna as the manager as he is related to the Rajapaksa family.

Jayaratne is the father of Tatiyana Rajapaksa, who is the wife Rohitha Rajapaksa, the youngest son of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Despite the connections, former Sports Minister Harin Fernando said Jayaratne was a suitable appointment for the post of Sri Lanka cricket team manager.

MP Fernando said he believes Jayaratne has the capability of managing the national players without inconveniencing them.

Harin Fernando made the observation during a media briefing held in Colombo today when a journalist had raised a question in this regard.

Jerome Jayaratne had served as Sri Lanka Cricket team manager and head coach on several occasions previously.