Former SLC President Upali Dharmadasa passes away at 71

Former President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Upali Dharmadasa, a prominent figure in the country's cricket administration and business community, passed away yesterday at the age of 71.

Dharmadasa, a veteran industrialist with decades of experience in business management, made significant contributions to Sri Lankan cricket during his tenure as President of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) and later as President of SLC.

He served as the head of the country's cricket governing body on several occasions and played an active role in the administration and development of the sport.

Apart from his involvement in cricket, Dharmadasa was a well-known figure in Sri Lanka's corporate sector. He served as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Ltd. (SLIC) and held the position of Managing Director of the Nawaloka Group of Companies.

Under his leadership, the Nawaloka Group expanded its operations through several companies, including Nawaloka Piling Ltd., Nawaloka Timber Stores Ltd., Nawaloka Polysacks Ltd., Nawaloka Industries Ltd., New Nawaloka Trading Co. Ltd. and Nawaloka Developments Ltd.

Dharmadasa's passing marks the loss of a leading business personality and a long-serving administrator who contributed to both Sri Lanka's corporate sector and cricketing landscape.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced later.