Shammi Silva and the executive committee of Sri Lanka Cricket resigned on Wednesday after a special meeting approved the decision, following discussions with Anura Kumara Dissanayake amid public pressure and allegations of financial irregularities. Authorities now plan to install an interim committee, with Eran Wickramaratne expected to lead the structure, although officials have not confirmed appointments.
“The president of Sri Lanka Cricket, Mr Shammi Silva, has tendered his resignation from the post, effective today.” The official statement confirms a coordinated exit across the leadership, which creates an administrative vacuum at the governing body. The release added that office-bearers and executive committee members also resigned and informed the president and sports minister Sunil Kumara Gamage. This collective resignation strengthens the government’s ability to initiate structural changes without formal dismissal.
Silva led SLC since February 2019 and secured four consecutive terms, three without opposition. His tenure included Asia Cup success for both men’s and women’s teams, but the men’s side recorded declining rankings and poor results in recent global tournaments. These outcomes, combined with governance concerns, intensified pressure on the administration despite record revenues claimed by SLC.
The proposed transition faces legal and regulatory complications. SLC rules require the executive committee to appoint a president from serving vice-presidents, but both Jayantha Dharmadasa and Ravin Wickramaratne have also resigned. This situation limits internal succession options and increases reliance on external intervention.
The government may use provisions under the Sports Law to install an interim body, but this approach risks conflict with International Cricket Council regulations on political interference. The ICC has previously suspended Sri Lanka’s membership after similar actions, enforcing strict rules that recognise only elected administrations. Authorities now attempt to frame the resignations as voluntary to avoid sanctions, but ICC assessment will determine whether Sri Lanka faces further action.
