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Sangakkara & Mahanama Join SLC Transformation Panel After Silva Resigns

Legendary cricketer Kumar Sangakkara is among nine members appointed to a Transformation Committee overseeing Sri Lanka Cricket. The decision follows the resignation of SLC President Shammi Silva and the entire Executive Committee. The panel, chaired by former MP Eran Wickramaratne, includes cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Sidath Wettimuny. Its primary aims are to overhaul SLC's governance framework and elevate Sri Lanka's international cricket performance.

Key Points: Sangakkara in SLC Transformation Panel After Silva Resigns

  • Kumar Sangakkara, Roshan Mahanama among 9 members in SLC Transformation Committee
  • SLC President Shammi Silva resigns, entire Executive Committee steps down
  • Eran Wickramaratne, former MP, chairs the panel
  • Committee aims to overhaul governance and boost on-field performance
2 min read

Sangakkara, Mahanama in SLC transformation panel

Kumar Sangakkara, Roshan Mahanama join Sri Lanka Cricket's Transformation Committee after President Shammi Silva resigns. Eran Wickramaratne chairs the panel.

"Our immediate priority is a total overhaul of the governance framework at SLC. - Eran Wickramaratne"

Colombo, April 30

Legendary cricketer Kumar Sangakkara is among nine members appointed to a Transformation Committee set up to oversee Sri Lanka Cricket, following the government's decision on Wednesday to remove the previous office bearers.

On April 29, SLC President Shammi Silva resigned from his post with immediate effect, the board confirmed in an official statement.

According to the SLC media release, the entire leadership structure of the board, including office bearers and members of the Executive Committee, has also stepped down as part of the decision.

Sangakkara stands out as the most prominent former cricketer in the panel, which also includes Roshan Mahanama and Sidath Wettimuny. However, the committee is largely composed of individuals from corporate, legal, and political backgrounds, with former Member of Parliament Eran Wickramaratne named as its chair.

Wickramaratne, who is associated with Sri Lanka's main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya and also has a corporate background, is reported to have resigned from his political roles within the party to take up this assignment. He is no longer serving as a Member of Parliament.

"I am privileged to lead a nine-member committee of individuals with impeccable integrity and expertise," Wickramaratne said, before outlining two primary aims of the Transformation Committee in a statement, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"Our immediate priority is a total overhaul of the governance framework at SLC," he said.

The Committee's second priority is to ensure "excellence on the field" Wickramaratne said. "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."

SLC's new committee members:

Eran Wickramaratne (politics/corporate), Roshan Mahanama (cricket/corporate), Kumar Sangakkara (cricket/business), Sidath Wettimuny (cricket/corporate), Prakash Schaffter (corporate/cricket), Avanthi Colombage (corporate), Thushira Radella (corporate), Upul Kumarapperuma (law/politics), Dinal Phillips (law).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who remembers Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup win, this gives me hope. Sangakkara is arguably the best cricketer-turned-administrator we've seen. But I worry about political interference – Eran Wickramaratne's background is concerning. Let's see if they actually deliver on 'excellence on the field'.
J
James A
Interesting development. Sri Lanka has immense talent but poor governance has held them back. Sangakkara's presence is a massive positive – he understands both the game and administration. Hope this isn't just a cosmetic change. 🤔
V
Vikram M
This is long overdue! Sri Lanka cricket has been in shambles since the 2011 period. Sangakkara and Mahanama are perfect choices – they proved their integrity during the controversial 2018 tour. But why only 2 cricketers out of 9? Should have been more cricket people.
S
Sarah B
As an outsider, I'm impressed by Sri Lanka's proactive approach. In India, we still have political appointees in BCCI. Sanga's international experience will be invaluable. Hope they focus on grassroots development too – not just the national team.
R
Rohit P
Wait, Eran Wickramaratne resigned from politics just for this? That shows serious commitment. But I'm skeptical – Sri Lanka has had many such committees. Sangakkara is the only reason I'm hopeful. His MCC World Cricket Committee experience will help.

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