Moments before Pakistan sealed victory in the tri-series final in Rawalpindi, SLC Executive Committee member Priyantha Algama took to Facebook to slam the selectors for backing Kusal Janith Perera, as Sri Lanka crumbled from 84 for 1 to 114 all out.
Colombo, November 18, 2025 – Internal discontent within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has once again spilled into the public arena after Priyantha Algama, an Executive Committee member of SLC, launched a scathing attack on the national selectors via Facebook following Sri Lanka’s humiliating defeat against Pakistan in the final of the tri-nation series in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka, cruising at 84 for 1 in 10.3 overs, suffered a dramatic collapse, being bowled out for just 114, as the middle and lower order crumbled under pressure. Pakistan chased down the target comfortably, sealing a six-wicket victory and reigniting criticism over selection decisions and the team’s mental fragility under pressure.
But it was Algama’s public post that has raised eyebrows across cricketing and administrative circles.
“Kusal Janith Perera is becoming a pain. Selectors to be blamed,” wrote Algama, a prominent figure in domestic cricket administration and widely considered the right-hand man of SLC Vice President Jayantha Dharmadasa, directly pointing fingers at Chief Selector Upul Tharanga and his committee for their continued faith in the out-of-form batter.
Perera, who has been under scrutiny for months due to inconsistent performances and fitness concerns, once again failed to deliver on the big stage. Coming in during a crucial phase of the innings, he lasted just six balls for 1 run, attempting a reckless charge down the wicket to Abrar Ahmed, only to mistime the shot and be caught by Usman Khan.
Public Criticism from Within: A Growing Concern
What makes Algama’s criticism especially concerning is the platform he chose to voice it, a public Facebook post, rather than the appropriate internal forums. For a sitting Executive Committee member of Sri Lanka Cricket, such a move raises serious questions about governance, discipline, and the lack of unity within the cricket board itself.
This isn’t the first time selection decisions have been questioned, but rarely do such criticisms come from within the board and almost never in public view.
The statement also shines a light on the growing frustration within SLC ranks over the team’s stagnation, inconsistency, and the selectors’ perceived reluctance to make bold decisions. However, airing those grievances on social media, rather than through official channels, threatens to undermine the very credibility and unity of the institution Algama represents.
Kusal Perera: Liability or Victim of Poor Management?
While it is undeniable that Kusal Janith Perera’s recent performances have not lived up to his past potential, the broader issue might lie in how SLC has managed aging players, fitness concerns, and transitions. Perera’s career has been marred by injuries, interrupted stints, and questionable role assignments, sometimes opener, sometimes finisher, sometimes even backup keeper.
Critics argue that it’s not just Perera who should be scrutinized, but the entire selection and strategic framework, which has failed to manage player form, fitness, and confidence with consistency.
A Deeper Divide?
Algama’s outburst may signal deeper fissures within the cricket board, particularly between the selectors and certain influential figures in the administration. It also raises the possibility of personal agendas and power dynamics creeping into cricketing decisions, a concern long voiced by observers of Sri Lankan cricket.
With Upul Tharanga, a former national player himself, leading the selection panel, the public criticism by an executive committee member could also amount to a breach of SLC’s Code of Conduct, unless addressed internally.
What Happens Next?
At a time when Sri Lanka cricket is desperate to rebuild confidence among fans and regain international respect, internal figures turning on each other publicly only serves to erode trust, both within the dressing room and among the supporters.
Whether Algama will face disciplinary action, or whether the selectors will respond, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain, Sri Lanka’s problems aren’t just on the field.
