Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) High Performance Centre (HPC) at R. Premadasa Stadium Khetterama, has been reshuffled with former cricketer Ashan Priyanjan stepping up as A Team head coach, while another former International Avishka Gunawardene moving to coach U19 team.
These appointments are part of a broader effort to revamp the National High Performance Centre and strengthen the national side for upcoming global tournaments following a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign recently.
The Sri Lanka U19 cricket team is a primary, successful feeder system for the senior national team, consistently nurturing talent that advances to international cricket. Many stars, such as Dunith Wellalage, were developed through this program, which serves as a vital bridge between youth and elite competition. Avishka’s transfer from A team to U19 setup Indicates that SLC is eyeing on to build a strong pool of young prodigies before the ODI World Cup in 2027.
Apart from Priyanjan and Avishka shouldering new responsibilities, SLC is in advance talking stage with Sri Lanka’s greatest spin wizard Rangana Herath and former fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekara as well for consultancy based assignments. Herath is a legendary Sri Lankan left-arm orthodox spinner and arguably the most successful in Test history, finishing with 433 wickets in 93 matches. Known for his exceptional control, flight, and guile, he became Sri Lanka’s premier spinner after Muttiah Muralitharan’s retirement, playing a vital role in numerous Test victories and mentoring young spinners as a coach.
Kulasekara was known for swinging the ball both ways, often securing early breakthroughs. He was referred to as a “swing king” and “silent assassin” due to his quiet demeanor and effective bowling. Apart from swing, he was known for his incredible accuracy and low economy rates, often bowling crucial, tight overs.
The reshuffle, overseen by HPC head Jerome Jayaratne, is part of a broader overhaul aimed at reviving standards and producing players ready for the rigours of international cricket. Adding weight to the setup is former head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, now drafted in as a consultant.
Earlier this month, Sri Lanka appointed former India and South Africa coach Gary Kirsten as the new men’s head coach on a two-year contract starting April 15, 2026, targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kirsten replaces Sanath Jayasuriya and will focus on rebuilding the team, particularly improving performance in South African conditions.
Kirsten previously coached India to the 2011 World Cup title and took South Africa to the No. 1 ranking in all formats.
