'Restore Pride and Performance': Eran Sets Vision for Sri Lanka Cricket Reform

COLOMBO (News 1st); Eran Wickramaratne, the newly appointed Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Transformation Committee says he assumed duties in his position following an invitation from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Kumara Gamage.

Wickramaratne said he accepted the appointment after extensive discussions with former Sri Lanka cricketers and national team captains, with his role taking effect on April 29.

Wickramaratne said he is leading a nine‑member committee comprising Sidath Wettimuny, Roshan Mahanama, Kumar Sangakkara, Prakash Schaffter, Thushira Radella, Avanthi Colombage, Upul Kumarapperuma and Dinal Philips.

He described the panel as a group of individuals with integrity and expertise, representing a combination of cricketing experience, corporate management and legal knowledge.

The committee’s stated objective is to restore the pride and performance of Sri Lankan cricket through a two‑pillar approach focusing on governance reform and on‑field excellence.

On governance, Wickramaratne said the immediate priority is a complete overhaul of the existing structure at Sri Lanka Cricket. Central to this effort will be the implementation of a proposed new constitution to serve as a modern and robust foundation for the sport. He said the committee is committed to full compliance with International Cricket Council regulations, while embedding transparency, anti‑corruption measures and professionalism into the organisation. He added that strengthening meritocracy and fiscal responsibility is essential to rebuilding public trust in Sri Lanka Cricket.

On performance, Wickramaratne said administrative excellence is fundamental to success on the field. The committee will focus on creating proper structures, world‑class facilities and incentive systems to enable national teams to consistently perform at the highest international level and return Sri Lanka to the top tier of global cricket rankings.

Reflecting on his personal connection to the sport, Wickramaratne said he has been passionate about cricket both during and after his playing days at school and club level. He described the opportunity to lead a transformation in Sri Lanka’s cricketing fortunes as a profound honour and responsibility.

Wickramaratne also said he looks forward to the support and constructive feedback of cricket fans, pledging to work towards delivering measurable and lasting results in return for their continued passion.