Hashan Tillakaratne Returns to Sri Lanka Cricket as Men's Batting Coach in Role Secured Until 2027

Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed former Test captain and celebrated left-handed batsman Hashan Tillakaratne as the Men's Batting Coach, with his tenure set to run through to 2027, the board has confirmed.

A Familiar Face Back in the Setup

Tillakaratne, widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka's most technically accomplished batsmen of his era, returns to a formal coaching role within the national cricket structure. The appointment signals Sri Lanka Cricket's intent to draw on the wealth of experience held by former players as the side looks to sharpen its batting performances across all formats.

Having represented Sri Lanka with distinction over a long and storied international career, Tillakaratne brings firsthand knowledge of high-pressure batting situations at the highest level — qualities that selectors and cricket administrators believe will prove invaluable to the current generation of Sri Lankan batsmen.

A Long-Term Commitment

The decision to secure Tillakaratne's services until 2027 reflects a broader effort by Sri Lanka Cricket to introduce greater stability and continuity into its coaching structures, an area that has at times been criticised for frequent changes and disruptions.

The multi-year contract will see him work closely with the men's national squad through a busy international calendar that includes major tournaments and bilateral series across Test, ODI, and T20I cricket.

What This Means for Sri Lankan Cricket

Sri Lankan fans and cricket pundits will be watching closely to see what impact Tillakaratne's appointment has on a batting lineup that has shown both promise and inconsistency in recent times. Among the key expectations will be:

• Improved technique and temperament among top-order batsmen
• Better conversion of starts into match-winning innings
• Stronger performances in challenging overseas conditions
• Development of emerging batting talent within the squad

The appointment has been welcomed in local cricket circles as a positive step, with many believing that Tillakaratne's calm and disciplined approach to batsmanship will translate effectively into his coaching philosophy.

Tillakaratne's return to the national setup is seen as a statement of intent by Sri Lanka Cricket as the board works towards rebuilding a competitive and consistent batting unit ahead of the 2027 cricket calendar.

Further details regarding the full composition of the men's coaching panel and upcoming squad selections are expected to be announced by Sri Lanka Cricket in due course.