Govt. says President has not made request to remove SLC Head

Friday, 24 April 2026 02:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (left) and SLC President Shammi Silva

The Government and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have said that they are not aware that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has asked SLC President Shammi Silva to step down to facilitate the appointment of an interim committee.

Reports further suggested that former MP Eran Wickramaratne was being considered as Chairman of the interim committee.

“As far as I know, and based on the information I have, the President has not made such a request,” said Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa at a Cabinet briefing. “I have to say that this was not discussed in the Cabinet.”

“The Government will take the necessary decisions regarding this when required,” Dr. Jayatissa said, adding that he currently has no information on any active discussions regarding a leadership change within the cricket administration.

Dr. Jayatissa acknowledged the public’s emotional attachment to cricket, emphasising that the Government’s primary objective remains the development of the sport and maintaining fans’ connection to the game.

SLC CEO Ashley de Silva, when questioned regarding this matter, said: “We have seen some reports in the media but we have not been notified of anything. We are not aware of anything of that nature.”

Last month, Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said that plans for the upliftment of cricket had already been drafted, several steps had been taken, and new plans will be implemented.

The Minister emphasised that future actions will be taken based on the agreement of the ICC and that cricket cannot be developed by risking a ban on SLC, and therefore the focus is on developing the sport while ensuring its protection.