Situation at Sri Lanka Cricket fell into further turmoil this morning as Sri Lanka Chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya has resigned with immediate effect from the panel appointed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Executive Committee to pick the next national coach.

Jayasuriya refused to comment on the reasons for his decision, but confirmed that he has sent his letter of resignation by email to SLC President Jayantha Dharmadasa and Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga.

The panel is meeting at SLC today to shortlist three candidates out of nine previously shortlisted applicants, but SLC sources said that Jayasuriya has not attended this meeting. It is not clear if his resignation has been accepted, but Jayasuriya’s absence at today’s meeting indicates that he is unlikely to budge from his position unless conditions change dramatically at SLC.

Sources added that Jayasuriya has been forced to resign due to external pressure not allowing him to carry out his job in a neutral manner in picking the best candidate. (Channaka de Silva)