Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed former captain Sanath Jayasuriya as the permanent head coach of the men’s national team. His appointment, which became effective on October 1, 2024, will run until March 31, 2026. Jayasuriya, who had previously served as the interim head coach, will first lead the team in the upcoming limited-overs series against the West Indies, scheduled to take place in Dambulla and Pallekele.
SLC’s Executive Committee made the decision to promote Jayasuriya, impressed by the team’s recent success under his guidance. During his tenure as interim coach, Sri Lanka delivered notable performances, including a historic ODI series win against India after 27 years, a Test series victory against England in England after a decade, and a dominant 2-0 Test series sweep over New Zealand at home.
JSri Lanka’s iconic cricketer, Ayasuriya, initially took over as interim head coach in July after former English coach Chris Silverwood departed. Silverwood’s exit came after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, prompting SLC to entrust Jayasuriya with the role.
Prior to his coaching duties, Jayasuriya had also served as a cricket consultant for SLC. His experience as a player spans from 1991 to 2007, during which he represented Sri Lanka in 110 Test matches, scoring 6,973 runs at an average of 40.07, including 14 centuries and 31 fifties. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he played 445 matches, amassing 13,430 runs at an average of 32.36, with 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries. Notably, Jayasuriya played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning team.
Sri Lanka’s cricket team is resurging in international cricket, and Jayasuriya is expected to drive the team to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.
