Sri Lanka’s former cricket administration stepped down after acknowledging its failure to rebuild the sport, Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage revealed on Tuesday.
Speaking on the recent developments surrounding the country’s cricket governance, the minister said the shortcomings within Sri Lanka cricket became evident during the last World Cup campaign, where both on-field performances and administrative issues came under heavy scrutiny.
“We experienced it clearly during the last World Cup,” Gamage said, referring to the national team’s struggles as well as broader concerns regarding the management of the sport in the country.
The minister confirmed that the former office-bearers of Sri Lanka Cricket, including the president and committee members, resigned from their positions after recognising the failures of the administration.
“Considering all those matters, they resigned from these positions,” he added.
The resignation marks another significant turning point for Sri Lanka cricket, which has faced criticism in recent years over governance, transparency, player development and the overall direction of the game. Despite isolated successes on the field, the national team has struggled to regain the consistency and dominance it once enjoyed during its golden era.
Following the resignations, the government has moved swiftly to establish a new Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee aimed at restructuring and reviving the sport.
The committee is be headed by former minister Eran Wickramaratne, who was appointed to spearhead the reform process.
Gamage expressed confidence in Wickramaratne’s ability to lead the transformation, describing him as “a capable administrator, a good politician and also a skilled cricketer.”
The newly-appointed committee is expected to focus on governance reforms, strengthening domestic cricket structures, improving accountability and restoring public confidence in the administration of the game.
Sri Lanka cricket has endured a turbulent period in recent years, with frequent administrative disputes, allegations of mismanagement and inconsistent performances at international level prompting repeated calls for sweeping reforms.
The appointment of the Transformation Committee is likely to be closely watched by cricket stakeholders and fans alike, who are hoping the latest changes can help restore stability and direction to one of the country’s most cherished sporting institutions.
