BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
Former Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara has warned that Sri Lanka could once again face potential intervention or sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC) if political interference in cricket administration continues. He said the latest changes to the national selection structure amount to further politicisation of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
Jayasekara made the comments after Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage dissolved the selection committee headed by Pramodya Wickramasinghe and appointed a new panel without prior notice. The decision came just days before the national team’s scheduled departure for a multi-format tour of the West Indies on the 26th.
He argued that the sudden removal and replacement of the committee has created instability within Sri Lankan cricket circles and raised questions over governance procedures. According to him, such actions risk violating the autonomy expected by the ICC from member boards.
The former minister claimed that the move could be viewed as unlawful under the Sports Act, stating that selection committees cannot be changed arbitrarily without proper procedure. He further questioned how a new panel was appointed without a formal call for nominations.
Jayasekara also warned that repeated political involvement in cricket administration could trigger ICC scrutiny, recalling that Sri Lanka had previously faced consequences in 2023 over governance-related disputes within the sport.
The ICC has consistently emphasised that member nations must maintain independent cricket administration free from political interference. Any breach of this principle can lead to warnings, suspension, or other disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, Jayasekara also criticised the Cricket Transformation Committee (CTC), led by former MP Eran Wickramaratne, questioning whether proper consultation had been carried out with member clubs of Sri Lanka Cricket before recommending changes to the selection structure.
He stressed that proper procedure requires SLC member clubs to submit names for selection committees, followed by vetting and approval through the correct administrative channels. He questioned whether this process had been followed in the latest appointments.
The new five-member selection panel is headed by Kapila Wijegoonawardene and includes Amal Silva, Brendon Kuruppu, Waruna Waragoda, and Vanessa de Silva. Several members, including the chair, have previously served in similar roles over a decade ago.
Former selection committee chair Pramodya Wickramasinghe has meanwhile sought clarification over his removal, stating that he had not received any official written communication regarding the decision.
Sri Lanka Cricket also confirmed that the new appointments were made based on nominations submitted through the Cricket Transformation Committee, further adding to the ongoing debate over governance and authority within the sport.
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