Experienced Corporate Banker Eran Takes Helm of Sri Lanka Cricket Transition Committee

COLOMBO (News 1st); The newly appointed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Transition Committee, chaired by Eran Wickramaratne, commenced its duties today (30) as the chairman and several committee members arrived at the Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters earlier in the morning.

Wickramaratne has been given a committee that has depth in cricket, business and law.

Three Sri Lankan Cricket luminaries from three eras make up the cricketing depth; Wettimuny from the 80s, Mahanama from the 90s and Sangakkara representing the 2000's..

The Transition Committee was appointed following the resignation of Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman Shammi Silva and the Executive Committee from their respective posts. The move marked the beginning of a transition process at the country’s cricket governing body.

The committee appointed yesterday (29) includes former Sri Lanka Test cricketers Sidath Wettimuny, Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara.

In addition, Prakash Schaffter, Dinal Philips, Avanthi Colombage, President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma and Thushara Raddella have also been named as members of the Transition Committee.

An experienced corporate banker with deep expertise in business, finance and governance, Eran Wickramaratne, was appointed Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Transition Committee, marking a decisive step in strengthening the administrative and institutional framework of the country’s cricket governance.

Wickramaratne brings decades of experience from the corporate and banking sectors to the role, having built a career rooted in financial management, corporate governance and regulatory oversight. His professional background spans senior leadership roles in banking and extensive engagement with policy, law and institutional reform, placing him in a strong position to guide Sri Lanka Cricket through a critical transition phase.

Former Test opener Sidath Wettimuny, who played during the 1980s, provides insight from a formative period of Sri Lankan international cricket. Roshan Mahanama, a key figure of the 1990s, brings experience from the era that shaped Sri Lanka’s rise to global prominence, while Kumar Sangakkara, one of the most accomplished players of the 2000s, contributes perspective from Sri Lanka’s modern professional era.

Beyond the former players, the committee is further strengthened by the inclusion of legal luminaries and seasoned corporate professionals, ensuring that cricketing expertise is complemented by strong knowledge of law, finance, administration and governance structures. This blend is designed to address longstanding governance challenges while aligning Sri Lanka Cricket with international best practices.

Speaking to reporters, Eran Wickramaratne, emphasised that the committee’s work is focused solely on strengthening the game of cricket and not on politics, stressing that the initiative is aimed at reforming both administration and the development of the sport at every level.

Speaking on the role and objectives of the committee, Wickramaratne said cricket is a sport enjoyed by a large section of the country’s citizens and one that brings joy to people. He noted that a strong and well-balanced committee has been appointed.

He outlined two key focus areas for the committee. The first is the improvement of cricket administration, where he said there are ideas already in place but the committee remains fully open to suggestions from all stakeholders. Wickramaratne emphasised the importance of listening to diverse views in order to identify how governance can be further strengthened.

The second major priority, he said, is the development of cricket at the grassroots level. This includes providing the necessary support to players across all levels, from school cricket to women’s cricket, as well as strengthening the game in districts and clubs across the country. He stressed that comprehensive support is required to ensure sustainable growth of the sport nationwide.

Wickramaratne said the committee has been appointed as a short-term transitional committee with the clear mandate of implementing meaningful change.

He underlined that the term “transition” reflects the need for change across multiple layers, ranging from the constitution of Sri Lanka Cricket to the grassroots level.

Wickramaratne firmly stated that the transition process is not connected to politics.

He described cricket as a sport capable of uniting the entire country and said the committee has been deliberately structured to bring together individuals with complementary expertise in cricket, administration, management, finance and law, all of which are necessary to drive effective reform.