No More Governance Chaos? New Constitution Aims to Reshape Sri Lanka Cricket

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Cricket's long-awaited governance reforms moved a step closer this week, with members of the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee reaffirming their commitment to introducing a new constitution aimed at strengthening accountability, improving administration and paving the way for future elections in line with International Cricket Council (ICC) requirements.

Speaking on the ongoing reform process, Transformation Committee Chairman Eran Wickramaratne stressed that while the committee fully supports the principle of an elected cricket administration, the objective is to ensure elections are conducted under a stronger and more transparent framework.

According to Wickramaratne, the proposed constitution was developed following extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders and incorporates views gathered through numerous discussions.

He acknowledged that complete consensus is difficult to achieve in a process involving multiple perspectives, but said the committee had carefully examined all submissions before finalizing and submitting the draft constitution.

The proposal is currently being reviewed by the Legal Draftsman's Department and other relevant government legal authorities before being presented to Cabinet.

Wickramaratne explained that while the committee has completed its responsibilities, the next stages of the process are governed by established legal and parliamentary procedures.

Under the proposed timeline, the draft constitution must first receive Cabinet approval before being published in the Gazette and subsequently presented to Parliament. Citizens will then be granted an opportunity to challenge or make representations regarding the proposed constitution before the courts, after which the Supreme Court will issue its determination. The proposal would then return to Parliament for approval before becoming law.

While an estimated timeframe can be calculated, he noted that the committee does not have direct control over the pace of those institutional processes.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee member and former national captain Kumar Sangakkara said the committee has maintained close engagement with the ICC throughout the reform process and has received considerable support from the world governing body.

He noted that ICC regulations require Sri Lanka Cricket to ultimately return to a democratically elected administration, and said the proposed constitution is designed to create the necessary framework for that transition.

Sangakkara emphasized that the broader objective extends beyond simply holding elections.

He said the committee is focused on establishing a governance structure built on accountability, transparency and a shared vision for the development of Sri Lankan cricket, ensuring that all individuals involved in the administration of the sport are held responsible for their actions and decisions.

According to Sangakkara, discussions with the ICC have consistently centred on building both a strong Sri Lanka national team and a strong Sri Lanka Cricket institution.

He added that the committee is working with urgency to move the constitution through Cabinet and Parliament as quickly as possible while continuing regular discussions with the ICC regarding timelines and progress.

Sangakkara said the committee hopes the process can advance rapidly in the coming months and believes that, if the constitution is finalized and implemented correctly, Sri Lanka Cricket will be in a far stronger position to work closely with the ICC and avoid many of the governance challenges that have affected the sport in recent years.

The comments come as Sri Lanka Cricket continues one of the most significant governance reform efforts in its history, with the proposed constitution expected to play a central role in shaping the future administration of the country's most popular sport.