Sanath Jayasuriya Appointed Sri Lanka Head Coach Until 2026 T20 World Cup
Sanath Jayasuriya has officially been named the head coach of Sri Lanka’s men’s cricket team, a role he will hold until the conclusion of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Having taken on the position in an interim capacity since July, his impressive performance over the past few months has earned him a full-time appointment from Sri Lanka Cricket.
Under Jayasuriya’s leadership, Sri Lanka achieved significant milestones, including their first bilateral ODI series victory against India in 27 years, a historic Test win against England on their home turf for the first time in a decade, and a 2-0 whitewash against New Zealand in a recent home Test series. These achievements have also given the team a chance to qualify for the World Test Championship final.
In a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket said, “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, and New Zealand, where Jayasuriya was in charge as the ‘interim head coach’.”
Jayasuriya’s appointment marks his first major role in coaching. He has expressed in interviews that his main objective is to create an environment where players feel free to express themselves on the field. His methods seem to resonate well with the team, with several players publicly praising his approach.
Before taking on the coaching role, Jayasuriya served as Sri Lanka’s chief selector in two separate stints. His previous involvement with the team was interrupted by a two-year ban under the ICC’s anti-corruption code, but he is now fully focused on leading the national side to further success.
His first assignment as the full-time head coach will be the upcoming limited-overs series against the West Indies, with matches scheduled in Dambulla and Pallekele.