Sanath Jayasuriya named full-time head coach of Sri Lanka cricket team

Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been promoted to full-time head coach for the Sri Lanka men's cricket team till the 2026 T20 World Cup. He has got the contract till March 31st, 2026.

Earlier, he got the appointment as an interim coach for the men's team for the series against India, England, and New Zealand

Sri Lanka Cricket took to its social media to inform about the extension.

Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the appointment of Sanath Jayasuriya as the head coach of the national team.

The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket made this decision taking into consideration the team’s good performances in the recent tours against India, England,… pic.twitter.com/IkvAIJgqio

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 7, 2024

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board has announced that Jayasuriya's remarkable run as an interim coach has earned him the position of permanent coach. The board also mentioned that the appointment has been effective since October 1st, 2024.

Sri Lanka under Jayasuriya

Sri Lankan cricket has been a phoenix under the guidance of its former captain, Sanath Jayasuriya. 

Jayasuriya started his journey as a coach against India in the t20s and ODIs, where they defeated the Men in Blue in the 50-over format.

In the England tour that came next, the Lankan Lions scripted history by defeating the English at the Ovals in the thirst test. They then whitewashed New Zealand by 2-0 at home. 

Sri Lanka's overwhelming performances under Jayasuriya's short period had gained him the contract of permanent coach till the 2026 T20I World Cup.