New Constitution Planned Within Months to Reform Sri Lanka Cricket

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Transformation Committee held its first media briefing, outlining its reform agenda and inviting public and stakeholder participation in reshaping the future of the sport.

The briefing took place at Sri Lanka Cricket, with Chairman Eran Wickramaratne joined by committee members Sidath Wettimuny, Prakash Schaffter, Upul Kumarapperuma and Dinal Phillips.

Speaking during the briefing, Wickramaratne emphasised that restructuring the management framework of Sri Lanka Cricket is a central priority of the committee.

“One of our fundamental focuses is going to be changing the structure of management. That is a mandate given to us. That is why we are talking about bringing a new constitution to govern Sri Lanka Cricket. We have already started the process and are now open to the public to voice their opinions, because cricket is not owned by a committee or any group of people. It is not even owned by a government; it is owned by the spectators of the country. Therefore, we are very conscious of that.”

He said that all stakeholders have been invited to contribute to the reform process.

“We are inviting spectators to present their views. We are also telling all stakeholders, from sportsmen, cricketers, umpires, trainers, administrators, clubs, districts, provinces, to all associations, that the window is open for them to send their proposals.”

Wickramaratne noted that the committee has spent its initial three weeks primarily listening and gathering information.

“It has only been three weeks since we were appointed, and we have been listening and trying to understand matters. After the constitution is drafted, it will be presented and go through the regular parliamentary process.”

He added that the committee expects broad support for the reforms.

“We are going to get the support of everybody because cricket is apolitical. We will seek the support of all of Parliament to put this structure in place. What we are pursuing is essentially a systems correction.”

Alongside constitutional changes, Wickramaratne said administrative and financial reforms are also being carried out in parallel.

“Administrative and financial matters are being looked into simultaneously. We want to make sure that every rupee is spent for the advancement of the sport.”

Responding to questions regarding the International Cricket Council (ICC), Wickramaratne said engagement with the governing body has been positive.

“The discussions with the ICC have been extremely cordial and constructive. The ICC knows exactly what we are doing, and we have been very open and transparent. They expect us to continue these open and transparent methods.”

Wickramaratne also addressed the circumstances surrounding his appointment, rejecting any political influence.

“I was not invited here for political reasons. Otherwise, the President would have had no reason to call me. The President has worked with the COPE Committee in Parliament and has been engaged in anti-corruption efforts, so there is an understanding of my views on combating corruption. I believe I was invited based on that trust, and I will not step back from it. There will be no room for corruption. Sri Lanka Cricket has no connection to politics and cannot be connected to politics. That is why I have stepped away from political positions.”

Meanwhile, committee member Sidath Wettimuny outlined the key technical areas under review.

“We are looking at three main areas, the national team, the Test team, and the ‘A’ team. We are assessing the problems in these teams and how to address them. I spoke to Gary Kirsten, who said there is no shortage of player talent, but we need to harness it.”

He said the focus is on improving three critical aspects of the game.

“In cricket, there are three key areas: fitness, player skill, and the mental side. If these three function properly, everything else will follow. That is our focus, how to improve that situation. Once we do that, you will see a difference in our cricket.”

Wettimuny also highlighted the need to strengthen youth development, particularly in coaching.

“Under-19 coaching is another area. As an administration, we have not provided enough exposure to coaches. Their experience is limited. Even if they have passed exams, they need to know how to discuss the game, how to explain it, and understand the cause-and-effect processes. We are working on this from the Under-19 level, extending both upwards and downwards by providing proper exposure.”

Responding to a question on whether a previously proposed constitution would be considered, Wettimuny said it would form the basis for further development.

“We plan to use that as a base and incorporate new ideas to present a new constitution. Our aim is to complete it within about three to four months and present it to Parliament.”

The committee said its efforts are focused on comprehensive reform, combining governance restructuring, financial accountability, and improvements in player development systems.