The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has officially approved the newly nominated Selection Committee for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), marking a fresh step toward strengthening the country’s national cricket selection process.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Sports, the appointments were approved by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage following a request submitted by Sri Lanka Cricket on May 20. The newly appointed committee is expected to oversee future player selections for the national cricket setup with a greater focus on transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
The Ministry stated that the appointments were made under the powers granted through Section 39(1) of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973 together with the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2437/24 issued on May 21, 2025.
Under the newly approved structure, former cricketer Kapila Wijegunawardena has been appointed as the Chairman of the Selection Committee. The remaining members include former Sri Lankan cricketers Amal Silva, Brendon Kuruppu, Waruna Waragoda, and Vanessa De Silva.
The appointments come at an important time for Sri Lanka Cricket, with the national team currently undergoing several rebuilding phases across different formats of the game. Cricket followers and analysts have frequently called for more consistency and transparency in team selections, especially after recent performances and squad changes drew public attention and criticism.
Sports Ministry officials say the newly appointed committee is expected to bring professional experience and balanced decision-making into the selection process while helping create a more structured pathway for emerging players.
The inclusion of experienced former players within the committee is also being viewed positively by sections of the cricket community, as many believe individuals with firsthand international cricket experience can better assess player form, discipline, fitness, and long-term team requirements.
Sri Lanka Cricket remains one of the country’s most influential sporting institutions, with national team performances often drawing massive public interest. As preparations continue for upcoming international tournaments and bilateral series, the role of the selection committee is expected to become increasingly significant in shaping the future direction of Sri Lankan cricket.
The Ministry further expressed confidence that the new appointments would contribute toward building a more transparent and effective cricket administration environment while ensuring that selections are carried out fairly and professionally.
