Former Sri Lankan cricketer Jayananda Warnaweera passes away

Published - 17 Oct 2025, 18:44 IST | Updated - 17 Oct 2025, 18:44 IST

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Jayananda Warnaweera has passed away aged 64. Warnaweera played 10 Tests and six ODIs in an international career which spanned from 1986 to 1994.

Warnaweera was also a cricket administrator after his days as a full-time professional cricketer concluded. The SLC extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones in the moment of grief.

The SLC also stated that the Sri Lanka team will wear black armbands during their clash against South Africa at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo in the 2025 Women’s World Cup. The team also observed a minute's silence prior to the match adjacent to their dugout.

Warnaweera became heavily involved in the preparation of Sri Lanka's Galle International Stadium in Galle. It was a proud moment for Warnaweera when the venue hosted its inaugural international fixture, the a clash between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Warnaweera, a right-arm off-spinner, took 4/25 in 14 overs as Sri Lanka spun New Zealand out to claim the second Test of the series by nine wickets and the series by a 1-0 margin in December 1992. Warnaweera's best Test match figures came a few months later against England when he registered a match haul of 8/188 (4/90 and 4/98).

Warnaweera only had a limited international career as it cut short due to legality of his bowling action. He took three four-wicket hauls in the international arena. Warnaweera was much more successful in the domestic circuit, where he picked up 287 wickets at an average of just 19.96 in 68 matches with 22 five-wicket hauls and six ten-wicket hauls .

After the conclusion of his playing career, Warnaweera serves as the curator of the Galle International Stadium. He was also a  Member of the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, Secretary of the Southern Provincial Cricket Association  and Secretary of the Galle District Cricket Association.