Former Sri Lanka men’s cricket team head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has filed fresh legal proceedings against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) at the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over his 2019 contract termination. The move revives a dispute that began when SLC cited disciplinary issues and poor on-field results as reasons for his dismissal.
After his removal, Hathurusinghe invoked the arbitration clause in his contract, seeking USD 5 million for loss of income, missed opportunities, and reputational damage. SLC initially challenged the case, arguing that the Board could not be sued in its own name because it is not incorporated under an Act of Parliament. CAS upheld this objection but allowed Hathurusinghe to pursue the case by naming the Executive Committee members in office at the time of his termination.
Following the ruling, SLC sought over Rs. 30 million in legal costs from Hathurusinghe, but CAS dismissed the request. The parliamentary watchdog COPE had earlier recommended exploring an out-of-court settlement to curb escalating legal expenses.
Hathurusinghe had joined SLC on a 36-month contract with a monthly salary of USD 20,000, a USD 10,000 cost-of-living allowance, and additional benefits, bringing his total monthly package to over USD 40,000. During his tenure, Sri Lanka won 24 of 67 international matches, while disciplinary issues mounted. A one-man inquiry by Justice Lalith Jayasuriya found him guilty of six charges, including failing to prepare the team, creating disharmony, and conduct unbecoming of a national coach.
SLC had offered six months’ salary as a negotiated exit, which Hathurusinghe rejected, insisting on full contract fulfillment. Facing pressure from then-Sports Minister Harin Fernando, the Board terminated him via a formal charge sheet.
In the renewed CAS filing, Hathurusinghe has named all Executive Committee members who served during his dismissal as respondents and is seeking the full contractual payout equivalent to 12 months’ salary. Notices have been issued to all relevant Committee members.
