Sri Lanka will launch a new chapter in their One-Day International journey when they face the West Indies in the opening match of a three-game series at Sabina Park today.

The encounter marks the first ODI assignment under newly appointed captain Kusal Mendis and head coach Gary Kirsten, with the team looking to establish a fresh identity and playing approach in the 50-over format.

Assistant coach Ryan van Niekerk expressed confidence in the squad’s preparations and said the players are eager to translate their plans into performances on the field.

“Our focus is on winning and implementing the style of cricket we have worked hard to develop,” van Niekerk said ahead of the series opener. “The group has embraced a clear vision for ODI cricket, and this tour provides an important opportunity to put those ideas into practice.”

Sri Lanka have enjoyed a productive build-up to the series after arriving in the Caribbean well ahead of schedule. The early arrival allowed the squad to adjust to local conditions and overcome the significant time difference between the two countries.

According to van Niekerk, the additional preparation time has been invaluable.

“Touring the West Indies can be challenging when teams have limited time to acclimatise,” he said. “This time, we were able to train effectively, spend quality time at Sabina Park, and use the warm-up match to reinforce our plans and processes.”

The tourists head into the series with confidence following an emphatic victory in their warm-up fixture against a Jamaica Select XI on Sunday. Sri Lanka piled up an imposing 335 for 7 before dismissing their opponents for just 108.

Several batters made notable contributions, with Charith Asalanka striking 61, Kamindu Mendis scoring 65, and Janith Liyanage adding 60. The bowling attack also impressed, led by Dushmantha Chameera’s figures of 3 for 8 and Dunith Wellalage’s 3 for 10.

Van Niekerk highlighted the intensity displayed by the players during the practice match, describing it as a positive sign ahead of the competitive fixtures.

“Warm-up games can sometimes lack energy, but the commitment and intensity shown by the players stood out. The squad has established strong processes, and the challenge now is to carry that momentum into the ODI series,” he said.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced its list of national player contracts for the 2026–2027 season, with 46 cricketers receiving contracts as the governing body continues its efforts to strengthen the national talent pool and maintain competitiveness across all formats of the game.

The contracts, which will be effective from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, have been awarded based on a range of criteria including player performance, consistency, fitness levels, potential, and the strategic requirements of the national teams.

SLC stated that players have been categorized under A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and Central Contract categories, with the system designed to provide athletes with the necessary support, structure and resources to perform at the highest level.

A notable feature of this year’s contracts is the inclusion of seven players receiving national contracts for the first time. Kamil Mishara, Lasith Croospulle, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Isitha Wijesundara, Wanuja Sahan, Dilum Sudeera and Tharindu Ratnayake have all earned places in the national contract list following their performances and potential shown in domestic and representative cricket.

The full list of contracted players also includes Asitha Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Niroshan Dickwella, Jeffrey Vandersay, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Eshan Malinga, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Sonal Dinusha, Sahan Arachchige, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Udara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Akila Dananjaya, Chamika Karunaratne, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Mohammed Shiraz.

Sri Lanka Cricket extended its congratulations to all contracted players while offering a special welcome to the newcomers. The board emphasized that the contracts reflect its commitment to rewarding performance, nurturing emerging talent and maintaining a strong squad capable of representing the country at the international level.

SLC also expressed confidence that the contracted players will continue to uphold high standards of professionalism, discipline and excellence as they prepare for the upcoming international season and seek to bring success to Sri Lankan cricket.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has temporarily suspended the registration of three national sports associations and placed their administration under the authority of the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, according to an Extraordinary Gazette notification issued by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.

The decision affects the national governing bodies for Handball, Carrom, and Hockey in Sri Lanka. The move has been implemented under the powers vested in the Minister by Sections 32 and 33 of the amended Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.

The relevant Extraordinary Gazette Notification (No. 2489/48) has been officially published, outlining the suspension of the following organizations:
•⁠ ⁠Sri Lanka Handball Association
•⁠ ⁠Sri Lanka Carrom Federation
•⁠ ⁠Sri Lanka Hockey Association

According to the gazette, the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been appointed as the Competent Authority responsible for overseeing the administration, management, and essential functions of the affected associations. The appointment is effective from May 19, 2026.

The Ministry stated that the decision was taken to facilitate the completion of constitutional amendments within the respective associations and to ensure that future elections for office-bearers are conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.

Under the new arrangement, the Competent Authority will exercise full powers to manage the affairs of the associations until revised constitutions are adopted, annual general meetings are convened, and new office-bearers are elected through a formal electoral process.
The Gazette notification was signed by Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage and issued on May 19, 2026.