Chairman of Selectors Ashantha de Mel tendered his resignation yesterday citing personal reasons. He made this decision a week after stepping down from the Team Manager’s post amidst various criticism on the National team’s dismal performance, incurring two series whitewashes against South Africa and England.
Ashantha has served as a National selector for over a decade since 1996. He was finally entrusted to serve in the capacity as Chairman National Cricket Selector in 2004, which he carried out on several occasions.
He was additionally offered the post of Team Manager prior to the last World Cup in England.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) retained him in his dual role until the concluded England series last week. The selectors were lambasted heavily after the National team’s poor performance.
Ashantha played for Isipathana College, Colombo until 1978 before he joined Royal College, Colombo in 1979. His illustrious club career was with Sinhalese Sports Club and he made his Test debut in 1982 against England and played until 1987.
He represented the country in 17 Tests and 57 one dayers, claiming 59 wickets in each form of the game. He was Sri Lanka’s highest wicket taker in the 1983 World Cup, and also became the second highest wicket taker behind India’s Roger Binny. He played his last Test match against India in 1986, while turning out in the one dayer against England in 1987.
“I have served in this capacity for quite some time and given my best for the betterment of the game. I feel time is up for me to quit owing to personal reasons,” said Ashantha.
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