Aravinda de Silva and Kumar Sangakkara named in Sri Lanka selection panel

Former Sri Lankan skipper Aravinda de Silva has been appointed as the chairman of the Sri Lanka selection committee. The panel consisting of 5 members including de Silva was appointed with immediate effect by the Honorable Dayasiri Jayasekara, Minister of Sports for Sri Lanka.

The 50-year-old Aravinda de Silva is widely regarded as perhaps one of the most famous players to have ever been produced by Sri Lankan cricket. He played 93 Tests and 308 ODIs in a career spanning almost 15 years.

In a rather surprising, recently retired wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara also has been roped in a full-member capacity. The southpaw called time on his career following India’s tour of Sri Lanka, stating that the prolonging of his career only delayed the chance for another to step into his shoes. Kumar Sangakkara also returns to his country following an extremely productive stint with Surrey in the county championship.

Former Lankan opening batsman Romesh Kaluwitharana also has been roped into a full-member role. Kaluwitharana is famously known for his aggressive batting prowess as well as the partner of former Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya.

The official statement from the Sri Lankan Cricket Board read, “Honorable Dayasiri Jayasekara Minister of Sports has appointed a new National Cricket Selection Committee with immediate effect.

“The appointment of the National Selection Committee was carried out by the Honorable Minister citing recent failures encountered by the National Team in their Tours to New Zealand, India, Asia Cup in Bangladesh and the inconsistency of selection criteria.”

Aravinda de Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, and Kaluwitharna will be joined by Lalith Kaluperuma and Ranjith Madurasinghe to complete the team of five members.

The validity of the appointment will be for one year.

The Sri Lankan team also made a few changes in the squad – Lahiru Thirimanne and Suranga Lakmal drafted into Sri Lanka squad