Mahela Jayawardene to advise on new coaching staff

By Bipin Dani

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has empowered former captain Mahela Jayawardene, who is a member of the National Sports Council, to suggest the new coach for the national team, it is learnt. 
Mickey Arthur’s fate was discussed by some members at an Ex-Co meeting, which was held on Tuesday.  It is also learnt that the services of Arthur and a few others in the coaching staff will be discontinued after the home series against the visiting West Indies team. Roshan Mahanama, who was one of the choices of the Aravinda de Silva-led cricket advisory committee, is no more a front-runner. Muttiah Muralitharan had expressed a very high opinion about Mahanama but because of lack of the coaching experience Mahanama may not be at the helm, it is understood. 

Few of the Ex-Co members are persuading Jayawardene to take up the head coach post but because of his other commitments, it is unlikely he will take over the role.  Sri Lankan coaches will also be considered along with a few overseas coaches.