At a glance
- New nine-member committee appointed to run Sri Lanka Cricket
- Kumar Sangakkara among key figures in governance overhaul
- Focus on structural reform and improving national team performance
Sri Lanka Cricket has entered a new chapter with the appointment of a nine-member Transformation Committee tasked with steering the game through a period of reform and renewal. The move follows a decisive intervention by the government which removed the previous administration earlier this week.
Governance Reset Signals New Era for Sri Lanka Cricket
At the heart of the new setup is former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, whose presence lends both gravitas and global recognition to the panel.
He is joined by fellow former internationals Roshan Mahanama and Sidath Wettimuny, though the broader composition reflects a deliberate shift toward expertise beyond the boundary rope. Professionals from corporate, legal and governance backgrounds make up the bulk of the committee.
Leading the group is Eran Wickramaratne, a former Member of Parliament and experienced corporate figure. Wickramaratne has stepped away from his political affiliations to take on the role, signalling an attempt to position the committee as independent and reform-driven.
Speaking in an official statement following his appointment, Wickramaratne set an ambitious tone and outlined the immediate priorities for the committee:
“I am privileged to lead a nine-member committee of individuals with impeccable integrity and expertise.”
Structural Reforms Take Centre Stage
He then addressed the urgent need for structural reform within Sri Lanka Cricket:
“Our immediate priority is a total overhaul of the governance framework at SLC. The cornerstone of this effort will be the implementation of the new constitution, ensuring it serves as a robust, modern foundation for the sport.”
The existing framework has faced sustained scrutiny for enabling administrative imbalance and alleged mismanagement, and the inclusion of legal experts within the committee suggests that drafting a new governing document will be a priority.
Wickramaratne also turned his attention to performances on the field, outlining a vision aimed at restoring Sri Lanka’s competitive edge:
“We will focus on establishing the structures, world-class facilities and incentive models necessary to empower our national teams. Our goal is to enable our players to consistently deliver world-class performances and elevate Sri Lanka back to the top tier of international rankings.”
The International Cricket Council has yet to respond to these developments, though past interventions in Sri Lanka’s cricket administration have drawn firm reactions from the global body.
Previous instances of government involvement have led to sanctions and financial restrictions, placing added importance on the committee’s pledge to operate within international regulations while embedding transparency and professionalism.
In the same statement, Wickramaratne emphasised that commitment to global standards:
“We are committed to absolute compliance with International Cricket Council regulations while embedding transparency, anti-corruption and professionalism into the organisation’s DNA.”
Sangakkara Joins New Reform Committee to Drive On-Field Revival
Experience within the group is not limited to playing careers. Wettimuny brings administrative knowledge from his role in a previous interim committee, while several members have established reputations in business and governance. Avanthi Colombage stands as the sole female representative, highlighting a step toward broader inclusion.
The overhaul comes in the wake of mounting public frustration following Sri Lanka’s underwhelming campaign at the recent T20 World Cup. Criticism had intensified around the previous leadership, particularly given a prolonged absence of success at major tournaments.
With a blend of cricketing insight and professional expertise, the newly formed committee now carries the weight of expectation. Its challenge is not only to reform structures but also to reignite belief in Sri Lanka’s cricketing future.
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