Colombo, November 29, 2025 – Following widespread backlash over his public criticism of the national selectors during Sri Lanka’s crushing defeat in the tri-series final in Rawalpindi, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Executive Committee member Priyantha Algama has issued a written apology to fellow SLC members, though it remains unclear whether the apology has been extended to the selectors themselves.
Algama, who had earlier taken to Facebook to slam the selection of Kusal Janith Perera, described the batter as “becoming a pain”, blaming the selectors for persisting with a player clearly out of form. His post came moments before the match had even ended, as Sri Lanka collapsed from 84 for 1 to 114 all out, handing Pakistan a comfortable six-wicket victory.
While Algama has since deleted the post, the damage was already done, with his comments widely circulated and criticized as unprofessional and ill-timed, particularly coming from someone holding a key administrative post in Sri Lanka Cricket.
The Apology — Too Little, Too Late?
In a written message to his fellow committee members, Algama expressed regret, saying:
“I would like to make a sincere apology over a comment made by me on Facebook criticizing selectors over Kusal Janith’s inclusion. I did not mean to harm anyone. In the heat of the moment, I posted it, which I feel I should not have done.”
He further claimed his intent was to deflect mounting public criticism aimed at SLC’s top management and protect the institution’s image. He added:
“That was my sole idea, to safeguard the management. Even that, I now feel, I should not have done. I erased the post within minutes. I am tendering my apology once again for the mistake I have done. Please bear with me, and sorry for the inconvenience caused.”
While the message has been received by fellow committee members, it’s unclear whether an apology has been directed toward Chief Selector Upul Tharanga or the national selection panel, the direct targets of Algama’s outburst.
Calls for a Public Apology
A vocal segment of the cricketing community believes Algama’s apology should match the visibility of his original criticism. One cricket enthusiast remarked:
“He used Facebook to publicly shame the selectors. It’s only fair he uses the same platform to publicly apologise.”
This sentiment echoes a growing concern that SLC officials must be held to higher standards of accountability, especially when airing grievances that impact team morale and public confidence in Sri Lanka Cricket.
Bigger Issues Beneath the Surface
Algama’s comments and the fallout underscore deeper divisions within SLC. The move also brings into question the internal communication structure, professionalism, and whether personal frustrations are being allowed to spill into the public domain.
His position as a close ally of SLC Vice President Jayantha Dharmadasa further complicates the optics, raising concerns about the politicization of cricketing decisions and governance integrity.
Where Does This Leave Sri Lanka Cricket?
At a time when Sri Lanka is struggling for consistency on the field and stability off it, such public outbursts from its own top brass do little to inspire confidence.
While Algama’s apology may close one chapter, the larger narrative, one of poor internal cohesion, public spats, and accountability gaps remains wide open. Whether SLC will take formal action, or whether this will quietly be brushed aside, is yet to be seen.
But for now, many will be watching and waiting to see if Sri Lanka Cricket can truly practice what it so often preaches: professionalism, unity, and discipline.
