Power shift in Sri Lanka Cricket: Shammi Silva resigns amid pressure from national president

A major administrative shift has unfolded in Sri Lanka Cricket as long-serving president Shammi Silva stepped down from his role with immediate effect. The decision comes amid mounting pressure from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who had pushed for a change in leadership within the governing body.

Silva, who had been at the helm since 2019, exits during a period of increased scrutiny and calls for restructuring in the country’s cricket administration.

The entire executive committee steps down

In a sweeping development, Silva was not the only one to resign. Members of the executive committee and other office-bearers also stepped down en masse, signaling a complete reset in the administrative setup.

"The President of Sri Lanka Cricket, Mr. Shammi Silva, has tendered his resignation from the post, effective today. Along with him, the office bearers and members of the Executive Committee of the SLC have also submitted their resignations," the board confirmed in an official statement.

The collective decision underscores the scale of the transition, paving the way for new leadership to take charge.

Communication made to government officials

The resignations were formally communicated to the country’s top leadership, including President Dissanayake and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage.

"This decision has been formally communicated to His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Honorable Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Sunil Kumara Gamage," the statement further added.

This direct engagement highlights the government’s active role in shaping the future of cricket administration in Sri Lanka.

Interim body set to take charge

Shammi Silva's decision to step down followed a meeting of the SLC executive committee, where the move for a collective resignation was finalized. With the leadership structure now vacant, an interim body is expected to assume control and oversee operations in the immediate term.

The development marks a significant turning point for Sri Lanka Cricket, as the board prepares for a fresh phase under new leadership amid ongoing efforts to reform and stabilize the system.