October 8, 2026
Sri Lanka Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva has stepped down from the captaincy with immediate effect, bringing an end to his tenure as leader of the national Test side.
De Silva informed the Selection Committee of his decision in a letter, saying he believed the time had come for the leadership to be handed over to the next generation.
“It’s my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation,” de Silva said in his letter.
Despite relinquishing the captaincy, de Silva has confirmed that he remains available for selection as a player, meaning he will continue to be part of Sri Lanka’s Test plans.
Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva thanked the all-rounder for his contribution to the Test team during his time as captain.
“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes him the very best for the remainder of his career and thanks him for the leadership he provided to our Test team,” Ashley de Silva said.
Sri Lanka Cricket also welcomed Dhananjaya’s decision to remain available as a player and said it looked forward to his continued contribution to Sri Lankan cricket.
The move now leaves Sri Lanka Cricket with the task of identifying a new Test captain as the national team enters the next phase of its Test programme.
Dhananjaya has been an important figure in Sri Lanka’s middle order and has also played a significant leadership role for the national side. His decision to continue as a player will allow Sri Lanka to retain his experience while giving another player the opportunity to take charge of the Test team.
The identity of the next Test captain is expected to become a key focus for the selectors as Sri Lanka prepares for its upcoming Test assignments.
