In a significant development for the administration of cricket in the country, the Sri Lankan government has appointed an interim committee headed by former Member of Parliament Eran Wickramaratne to oversee the operations of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), following the resignation of SLC President Shammi Silva and his Executive Committee.
The appointment was officially made by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on the evening of April 29. The newly formed body, titled the Sri Lanka Cricket Restructuring Committee (Interim Committee), has been tasked with stabilizing the administration and implementing long-overdue structural reforms within the sport’s governing body.
Composition of the Interim Committee
The committee comprises a mix of former cricketers, administrators, and professionals:
- Eran Wickramaratne – Chairman
- Roshan Mahanama
- Kumar Sangakkara
- Thushira Radella
- Sidath Wettimuny
- Ms. Avanthi Colombage
- Prakash Schaffter
- Upul Kumarapperuma
- Dinal Philips
This diverse panel is expected to bring both cricketing expertise and corporate governance experience to address longstanding issues within SLC.
Government Intervention and Resignations
The formation of the interim committee follows a decisive intervention by the government, which assumed temporary control of Sri Lanka Cricket citing the need for urgent reforms. The Ministry of Sports confirmed that all administrative functions of SLC would now fall under its purview until stability is restored.
Shammi Silva, who served as SLC President since February 2019, officially resigned on April 28, along with all office-bearers and members of the Executive Committee. According to an SLC media release, the resignations were communicated to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage.
Background of Governance Issues
Sri Lanka Cricket, despite being the wealthiest sporting institution in the country, has long been plagued by allegations of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and political interference. These issues have prompted repeated calls for reform from stakeholders, including players, fans, and policymakers.
The government described its latest move as a “temporary measure” aimed at facilitating structural reforms and restoring integrity to the administration of the sport.
International Concerns and ICC Implications
The intervention, however, raises potential concerns with the International Cricket Council (ICC), which maintains a strict stance against government interference in cricket administration. Under Article 2.4 (D) of its regulations, any state-appointed body overseeing cricket governance may be considered a violation.
Sri Lanka has previously faced consequences in this regard, having been suspended by the ICC for two months during the 2023–2024 period due to political interference in cricket administration.
With the appointment of a government-backed interim committee, Sri Lanka Cricket could once again come under scrutiny from the global governing body.
Recent On-Field Struggles
The administrative upheaval comes at a time when Sri Lanka’s on-field performances have also drawn criticism. The national team endured an early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which was co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India earlier this year.
Way Forward
Eran Wickramaratne, a former investment banker and opposition politician, had been widely expected to take up a leadership role in the restructuring process. His appointment signals a shift towards a more corporate and reform-oriented approach to governance.
The interim committee is now expected to prioritize transparency, accountability, and structural efficiency as it attempts to rebuild trust in Sri Lanka Cricket and ensure long-term stability.
The coming weeks will be crucial, not only in addressing internal challenges but also in navigating potential tensions with the ICC, as Sri Lanka seeks to balance reform with compliance to international cricketing regulations.
