Recognizing the imminent ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024, Asia Cup 2025, ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026, the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup, and the inclusion of both Men’s and Women’s Cricket T20 tournaments at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympic Games, Sri Lanka should comply with the requisites outlined by the organizers of these significant international events.

In a strategic move to fortify the selection process, Harin Fernando, Minister of Sports and Lands, in collaboration with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), has spearheaded the establishment of dedicated Selection Committees for Age Groups (Juniors) and Women.

This initiative aims to elevate the standards of selection processes for all the crucial sectors, with the growing achievements of Sri Lanka’s women and junior players on the global stage said Sports Director General Dr Shemal Fernando.

The newly appointed two Selection Committees will operate independently, ensuring a meticulous selection process. However, all selections made by these two committees will be subject to ratification by the SLC National Selection Committee, presided over by Chairman Upul Tharanga.

The Age Group (Junior) Selection Committee, led by Chairman Vinothan John former National fast bowler , consists of Duminda Wickramasinghe, Hasantha Fernando, Waruna Waragoda, and Shane Fernando. Heading the Women Selection Committee is Hemantha Devapriya the former National wicket keeper and dashing batsman with former Women’s cricketers Sripali Weerakkody, Rasanjali de Alwis, Thilaka Nilmini Gunarathne, and Jayamali Indika. This line-up reflects a commitment to gender equality, aligning with the International Olympic Committee’s mandate to promote and support women in sports he said Minister Harin Fernando, in his capacity as the Minister of Sports and Lands, has undertaken significant initiatives to revitalize sports in Sri Lanka. Operating within the parameters of the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973, he has collaborated closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC), adhering to established protocols, and engaged with key sports bodies, including the National Sports Council (NSC) and the National Sports Selection Committee (NSSC), to make bold decisions for the betterment of Sri Lanka Cricket.

The appointment of the SLC National Selection Committee, chaired by Upul Tharanga, alongside members Ajantha Mendis, Indika de Saram, Tharanga Paranavithana, and Dilruwan Perera, was conducted in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister of Sports under the Sports Law. It is noteworthy that National Selection Committees have been established for all 72 sports registered in the Department of Sports Development.

These strategic measures, led by the Minister of Sports Harin Fernando’s, aim is to restore Sri Lanka’s cricketing glory and prestige on the global stage added Dr Shemal