Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a sweeping revamp of its High Performance Centre coaching framework, aiming to strengthen player development after the national team’s disappointing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign.

The restructuring follows recommendations from the Executive Committee and marks a significant shift in the way coaching resources are deployed. Just days after Sanath Jayasuriya stepped down as Head Coach, former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten was appointed on a two-year contract beginning mid-April. Kirsten is expected to bring in his own specialists in spin, fast bowling, and fielding, leading to several reassignments within the HPC and domestic structures.

Julian Wood, hired last October as a power-hitting specialist, now serves as HPC Power Hitting Coach across all squads, including women’s cricket. Rene Ferdinands, a biomechanics expert and former national spin bowling coach, has transitioned to HPC Spin Bowling Coach with a focus on scientific aspects of bowling. Meanwhile, Jehan Mubarak, Thilina Kandamby, and Ravindra Pushpakumara have been moved into the domestic coaching structure of the National Super League, Major Clubs, and Division I schools. One of the most debated decisions is the reassignment of Avishka Gunawardena from Sri Lanka ‘A’ Head Coach to the U-19 team. Gunawardena, known for discipline and modern techniques, had overseen consistent performances with the ‘A’ team. His replacement, Ashan Priyanjan, is a recently retired cricketer with limited coaching experience, raising questions about the rationale behind the appointment.

The new framework places Gary Kirsten at the helm of the national team, with support staff to be appointed. Ashan Priyanjan takes charge of the ‘A’ team as Head Coach and Batting Coach, assisted by Chamara Silva, Anusha Samaranayake, Rumesh Ratnayake, Sachith Pathirana, Manoj Abeywickrama, and Upul Chandana. The Emerging Team will have coaches appointed on assignment basis, with Saman Jayantha, Dammika Sudarshana, Darshana Gamage, and Piyal Wijetunga handling batting, fast bowling, and spin, while fielding is managed by HPC pool coaches.

The U-19 team is now led by Avishka Gunawardena, supported by Omesh Wijesiriwardena and Dilruwn Perera, with fielding again overseen by HPC specialists. Julian Wood and Rene Ferdinands continue as HPC Power Hitting and Spin Bowling Coaches respectively, while Mubarak, Kandamby, and Pushpakumara contribute to domestic structures.

On the women’s side, Jamie Siddons remains Head Coach of the national team, assisted by Sumithra Warnakulasuriya, Dumida Perera, Chamila Gamage, Sajeewa Weerakoon, and Kaman Mapatuna. The Women’s ‘A’ team is led by Sampath Perera, with Gayan Wijekoon, Vimukthi Deshapriya, and Sajeewa Weerakoon in supporting roles. The Women’s U-19 team is headed by Mahesh Weerasinghe, with Ruvin Peiris, Chamila Gamage, Sajeewa Weerakoon, and Anton Costa completing the staff. This comprehensive restructuring signals SLC’s intent to build a stronger pipeline of talent, blending international expertise with domestic development, as the country looks ahead to future international competitions.