SLC’s downsizing programme on the way
The new administration of Sri Lanka Cricket is taking a serious look at its various components and is also considering at ways to make the whole cartwheel more manageable.
Upul Chandana (top) and Romesh Kaluwitharana (top right) have appealed to the Minister of Sports for reinstatement
The hierarchy of the Lankan cricket administration has carved itself into six pillars so that each top administrator would be in-charge of one important channel. President Thilanga Sumathipala will be in charge of Development, Vice President Jayantha Dharmadasa – International Cricket, K. Mathivanan — Domestic Cricket, Secretary Mohan de Silva – Administration, Treasurer Shammi Silva – Finance, with the Corporate Communications – Assistant Secretary Ravin Wickramaratne and Assistant Treasurer Lalith Rambukwella – Marketing and Corporate Communications.
It is said the initial focus has been put on the coaching and allied staff who are projected to be downsized from the present 37 to around 20. There are some in the coaching staff whose contracts have not been renewed even after expiry on December 31 2015. The list dished district coaches include — three from Colombo and one each from Kurunegala, Badulla and Vavuniya to name a few.
Also caught in the melee are the big names of SLC coach Romesh Kaluwitharana and fielding Coach Upul Chandana. They also were caught up with the December 31 stipulation, but it is learned the two former cricketers have held a meeting with Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera requesting a reinstatement.
However the Sunday Times learns that there is a strong likelihood that former national coach Davenell Whatmore would be offered to take over the ‘A’ team while the coach of the in-coming national team will be made a director of coaching and will be in overall charge of all segments of the game.
Another big fish that has been caught in the crossfire is former Operations Manager of SLC – Carlton Bernadus who is now to be in-charge of only the domestic cricket segment. Meanwhile in what may be termed as a prelude of things to come, the task of selecting the local T-20 tournament players had been entrusted with a new set of cricketers. The Provincial Selection team which accomplished that task was – Lalith Kaluperuma, Asoka de Silva, Eric Upashantha, Gamini Wickremasinghe and Gamini Perera.
The present National selectors led by Kapila Wijegunawardene had their contract on till March 31 and the job will be customarily done by the Sports Ministry from names forwarded by the incumbent administration.
The five T-20 Teams would be Colombo Commandos captained by Milinda Siriwardena, Galle Guardians playing under Dinesh Chandimal, Kurunegala Warriors will be led by Mahela Udawatte and Veteran T.M. Dilshan will lead Hambantota Troopers while Kandy Crusaders comes under Lahiru Thirimanne.