COLOMBO: Hemantha Devapriya has resigned as Sri Lanka women coach with immediate effect, citing personal reasons. Devapriya had been appointed to the post in October 2016, and was on a two-year contract, but has now quit five months before the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean. Under his tenure, Sri Lanka managed to win only seven out of 34 internationals. In the World Cup last year in England, Sri Lanka won just one match out of seven. More recently in the Asia Cup in Malaysia, they got only two wins in five matches and finished fourth on the points table – having suffered a shock loss to Thailand. Sri Lanka’s next assignment is a home series against India in September. “Whilst thanking Devapriya for his services, SLC will start the process of engaging a new coach to take the women’s team forward,’’ Ashley De Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, said. A coach for the past 17 years, Devapriya had roles with Colombo Cricket Club, Nondescripts and Fingara Cricket Academy, before working with Sri Lanka A and Sri Lanka women. Devapriya made his first-class debut against Australia in 1980 before the Sri Lankan team was given Test status. He also toured England in 1981 before his participation in the rebel tour to South Africa ended any chance he had to play for his country. He ended his first-class career with 1761 runs in 70 matches. Published in Daily Times, June 16th 2018.