Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is yet to finalise a permanent head coach for the national team with incumbent interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya due to end his temporary assignment at the conclusion of the ongoing three-match Test series against England, The Daily Morning Sports, understands.

Sri Lanka currently trails England 1-0 heading to the second Test against the hosts starting today (29) at Lord’s, following their five-wicket loss in the first Test at Old Trafford last week.

According to informed sources, SLC have already received a few applications for the vacant coaching post which they had advertised before the team took wing to England, and that they were currently processing those applications.

However, it was not immediately clear whether the SLC has received any applications for the post from any high-profile former players either from overseas or locally.

Long-term 

The country’s last long-term local head coach was former batter Chandika Hathurusingha who managed the side from 2017-19 before being unceremoniously removed.

Current SL women’s team head coach Rumesh Rathnayake was also at the helm for a brief stint in 2022 before SLC hiring Chris Silverwood.  

Jayasuriya, 54, a former captain and an iconic figure in the local cricket firmament has publicly not ruled out applying for the permanent coaching position within the current set up.

Sanath sought for HPC

It is reliably learnt that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is determined to utilise his expertise linked to its High Performance Centre (HPC).

It is also understood that the SLC would allow the ex- legend to apply for the permanent head coach post if he wishes to do so, before they shortlist the prospective candidates.

Jayasuriya took over after the resignation of Chris Silverwood at the end of the T20I World Cup in June this year, after the latter decided against renewing his two-year contract with the SLC. 

Since replacing the former England pacer, the one-time explosive opening batter has guided his country to a first-ever bilateral ODI series win over India (2-1) in 27 years early this month.

According to sources SLC is determined to finalise the coaching position ahead of the impending home series against New Zealand failing which they may request Jayasuriya to manage the team before finalising it ahead of the forthcoming tour to South Africa. 

Sri Lanka has a heavy schedule in all three formats staring them in the face during the next six month period starting with the arrival of the Black Caps for a two-Test series next month.

Afterwards, the Islanders are set to head to South Africa for a similar red-ball series in November and December and following that, they will host the current number one-ranked Test team Australia for a yet another two-Test series in January-February next year.

An SLC official, when contacted, said that they were yet to finalise the head coach position and that they will make a decision on it in due course.