Former Sri Lanka cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya has resigned from his role as Consultant to Sri Lanka Cricket’s High Performance Centre, with effect from the end of this month.

In a letter addressed to the newly appointed Cricket Transformation Committee, Jayasuriya stated that he had become aware of concerns raised by some members regarding his appointment to the High Performance Centre, as well as his position as President of the Matara District Cricket Association, citing a potential conflict of interest.

He explained that he accepted the role not out of necessity, but after being requested to serve Sri Lanka Cricket during a challenging period for the national team.

Reflecting on his time as head coach, Jayasuriya noted that he took charge when few were willing to do so, following Sri Lanka’s failure to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy and a period of declining team performance.

He said that, along with his coaching staff and players, efforts were made to rebuild standards and confidence, resulting in notable series victories against India, New Zealand, West Indies, and Australia.

Jayasuriya also referred to Sri Lanka’s exit at the ICC T20 World Cup Super 8 stage, stating that injuries to key players, along with structural and personnel changes before the tournament, disrupted preparation and continuity.

He added that despite those challenges, he accepted responsibility as head coach and stepped down after the tournament.

Addressing his role in the Matara District Cricket Association, Jayasuriya said developing cricket in Matara remains close to his heart, as it is the district where he began his cricketing journey.

He further emphasised that former players should be encouraged to contribute at grassroots level, and maintained that he did not consider his dual roles to be a conflict of interest.

However, he said that if the new administration viewed the situation differently, he would prefer to focus solely on developing cricket in Matara rather than hold another position within Sri Lanka Cricket.

Jayasuriya added that he did not wish to become a distraction to the new administration’s work and expressed hope that the committee would succeed in restoring Sri Lankan cricket to its former strength.

He also stated that his support for Sri Lanka cricket and its players would continue regardless of any official position, and that he would remain committed to the game from outside the system as well.