A major shift has taken place in Sri Lanka’s cricket administration, with Shammi Silva and his executive committee officially stepping down, marking what many see as the end of a long-standing era at Sri Lanka Cricket.
The resignation follows a final executive meeting held on Tuesday, amid a broader decision by Anura Kumara Dissanayake to restructure the country’s cricket governance system.
Authorities have moved to replace the outgoing administration with an interim committee, pending the introduction of a new and more transparent governance framework, based on recommendations made by multiple investigative bodies over recent years.
The shake-up comes after prolonged criticism of the cricket administration, including allegations of mismanagement, governance failures, and declining on-field performance. Despite public protests and parliamentary debates calling for reform, the previous administration remained in place until now.
Sri Lanka Cricket, once celebrated for its historic achievements—including the 1996 World Cup victory—has evolved into a highly influential and financially powerful institution, making leadership positions within it highly contested.
Sri Lanka Cricket Media Manager Prasanna Rodrigo confirmed that all executive committee members have resigned and that the decision has been communicated to Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage.
A new interim committee has been appointed to oversee operations, headed by Eran Wickramaratne as Chairman. Other members include Sidath Wettammuni, Roshan Mahanama, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinal Phillips, Prakash Shafter, Thusira Radella, Avanthi Colombage, and Upul Kumarapperuma.
While the move is being welcomed as a fresh start, concerns remain over whether proposed reforms will be fully implemented and sustained, or if previous power structures could re-emerge in future elections.
The transition is expected to play a crucial role in determining the future direction of Sri Lankan cricket, both administratively and competitively.
