Royal promotes Assistant Coach Suranga to take charge of First XI team
View(s):After the sudden exit of the Head Coach Avishka Gunawardene, Royal College Colombo has decided to promote Assistant Coach Suranga Wijenayake to take charge of its First XI cricket team. The Chairman of Cricket Committee, headed by Anushka Polonowita, had already recommended Wijenayake to take over Gunawardene’s position.
Gunawardene, who completed a First XI season with Royal College, was recruited by Sri Lanka Cricket as Assistant Coach of the national Under-19 team. Gunawardene’s appointment, which was made official by SLC, was confirmed last week. By this time he had officially taken over the role with the Sri Lanka Under-19s, despite having a contract with Royal College.
“He (Gunawardene) made a request after making a decision, understandably to a position any coach would dream of reaching. And it’s related to national interest. Of course, there is an Exit Clause in any contract but he gave us notice and with his record the school took a decision to release him,” Polonowita explained.
The School Cricket season is about to begin with the third term matches, and Royal College cricket authorities have decided not to go head hunting for the vacant position. Instead they will be looking for a suitable candidate to assist Wijenayake, who will now be in-charge or the First XI team.
“The next big thing is to look for a fitting person to assist Wijenayake. We are very happy about the job Avishka (Gunawardene) did during his tenure. Suranga (Wijenayake) too gave him the perfect backing. It’s good to have someone who knows about the setup and the boys, around, and with the season about to begin it will be the best for Royal,” Polonowita added.
Royal College was demoted to Division II two seasons ago after disputes with the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association and decided to play only traditional games. But the Reid Avenue School returned to Division I last season to record seven wins under Gunawardene.
The Sunday Times’ attempts to speak to Gunawardene and an official of Sri Lanka Cricket proved futile over ‘poaching’ issues. Sri Lanka Cricket, on Tuesday, confirmed Gunawardene’s appointment. “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that former Test cricketer Avishka Gunawardene, has been appointed as the Assistant Coach of the Sri Lanka Under-19 team. Avishka, who is on a two-year contract with SLC, will continue to work with the Under-19 team during the forthcoming World Cup in 2016”.