Hemantha Devapriya Steps Down As Sri Lanka Women's Coach

Hemantha Devapriya, the Sri Lanka Women’s team head coach, stepped down from his post on Thursday. Confirming the news, Sri Lanka Cricket released a statement, stating that Devapriya tendered his resignation with immediate effect.

Devapriya resigned from the post, citing personal reasons. He had replaced Lanka de Silva as the head coach in October 2016. His contract was up until October 2018, but he decided to step down after Sri Lanka failed to make it to the final of the recently concluded Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup in Malaysia.

The Island nation crashed out of the Asia Cup after finishing the six-team tournament joint-fourth. They beat eventual winners Bangladesh and Malaysia, but lost to Thailand, to end the competition with four points.

“Whilst thanking Devapriya for his services, SLC will start the process of engaging a new coach to take the women’s team forward” said Ashley De Silva, the CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket.

A former wicketkeeper, Devapriya played 70 first-class matches and 15 List A games between 1980-81 and 1995-96. He had previously coached Colombo Cricket Club, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Fingara Cricket Academy and Sri Lanka A. His spell with the Sri Lankan team produced mixed results. He helped Sri Lanka qualify for the 2017 World Cup. However, Sri Lanka failed to make it to the semifinal.

Sri Lanka’s next assignment is the home series against India in September.