Former Sports Ministers Harin Fernando and Dayasiri Jayasekara have raised concerns over the recent changes made to Sri Lanka Cricket’s national selection committee, claiming the move is illegal and could further politicise cricket administration.

Fernando stated that the newly appointed Cricket Transformation Committee appeared to have made its first major decision by changing the selectors instead of focusing on broader structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket.

He alleged that the proper procedure for appointing a selection committee had not been followed and claimed that no nominations had been called for the positions.

Fernando said the expected transformation of Sri Lanka Cricket should have prioritised governance reforms, warning that interference in the selection process could have serious consequences for the sport.

He also questioned whether the new appointments had been made based on merit or due to personal connections with members of the Transformation Committee.

“At a time when even India has appointed young former cricketers to selection committees, we have now appointed players who played in the 1980s,” Fernando said.

He stressed that Sri Lanka requires selectors who understand modern cricket, including current first-class standards, player management, social media pressure, and the commercial environment surrounding the game.

Fernando further noted that during his tenure as Sports Minister, former cricketer Upul Tharanga had been appointed as chairman of the selection committee in an effort to introduce younger cricketing perspectives.

“Instead of a real transformation, this looks like it is becoming a political exercise,” he added.

Former Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara also criticised the move, claiming Sri Lanka Cricket now effectively has “two selection committees” and accusing the government of politicising cricket administration.

Meanwhile, former selection committee chairman Pramodya Wickramasinghe has reportedly sought clarification regarding his removal, stating that he had not received any written communication about the decision.

The previous selection committee, headed by Wickramasinghe, was appointed in December 2025 and included Indika de Saram, Tharanga Paranavitana, Vinothen John, and Rasanjali de Alwis as members.

Sri Lanka Cricket is currently being overseen by a Cricket Transformation Committee headed by Eran Wickramaratne following the resignation of the previous Sri Lanka Cricket office-bearers.

The newly appointed selection committee, headed by Kapila Wijegunawardena, was announced yesterday, with Brendon Kuruppu and Amal Silva also named as selectors. All three had previously served on Sri Lanka’s selection committee in 2015.