"The three of us are in touch with each other and I'd like both Mahela and Kumar to be associated in an important way...

"Mahela and Kumar are currently busy with the Big Bash in Australia and both should be back home in the next 10 days...

"I'll then speak to both in person, instead of long-distance, and take things forward from there. Such greats need to get involved in a meaningful way," SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala told The Telegraph.

Getting Mahela and Kumar, both of whom retired from international cricket last year, on board, would be great for cricket in this island nation.

On another front, Sumathipala (who is also deputy speaker of Sri Lanka's Parliament) indicated that the temporary arrangement with regard to the senior team's coaching staff would probably continue till the upcoming World T20.

The full-time head coach's position, for example, has been vacant ever since former captain Maravan Atapattu was asked to put in his papers, last September.

In a stand-in capacity, that role is being filled by a Sri Lankan, Jerome Jayaratne.

"Look, the Asia Cup isn't far off and, soon after that, would be the World T20 in India...

"We have a few candidates in mind, but the person may not have enough time to settle down...

"The team would be back home (from New Zealand) this week and I'll then meet the key men and take their views as well...

"Our priority is to have a settled dressing room, not one where issues of adjustment could come up at a critical time," Sumathipala maintained.

Sumathipala, who has regained the No.1 position in SLC after years, appears to be clear about the way forward.

But what about Sri Lanka's performances over the 22 yards?

In New Zealand, Sri Lanka lost in all three formats, a result which raises quite a few questions.

Strictly cricket-wise, therefore, it's a challenging time for Sumathipala and his men.

(telegraphindia.com)