Colombo: Sri Lanka Cricket, under the leadership of President Shammi Silva, has unveiled a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering the future of cricket in the country by introducing a 3-day cricket format for schools. SLC’s Chief Executive Officer, Ashley de Silva, announced a significant financial investment of over 500 million, prioritizing 56 schools’ major matches.

According to Sri Lanka Cricket, this move is designed to position school cricket as a key contributor to strengthening the national cricket team.

During a media briefing at the SLC auditorium, de Silva highlighted that SLC’s financial and performance experts are committed to fostering young talent by creating a robust foundation for schools’ cricket. This initiative aims to enhance the development of cricket from the under-13 level up to the under-19 level, ultimately elevating the national cricket scene.

Thilak Waththuhewa, President of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the transition to a
3-day format will challenge school players to develop endurance and temperament. This change is expected to cultivate schoolboy cricketers who are well-prepared for the demands of national-level cricket. Waththuhewa noted that the new format will push players to adapt their strategies, fostering a more serious approach to the game.

Ruwan Kalpage, Manager of SLC’s High Performance Center, described the initiative as a major advancement for schools’ cricket. The 3-day format is anticipated to build and reinforce the skills of young cricketers, contributing to their growth and readiness for higher levels of competition.

The initiative will support a wide range of schools, including S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, Trinity College, Kandy, and Royal College, Colombo, among others. This extensive funding will provide these institutions with the resources needed to develop cricket at the grassroots level, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the national team.