Thilanga Sumathipala of Sri Lanka takes over as chief of Asian Cricket Council

New Delhi: Thilanga Sumathipala, who was recently elected as the President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), has also become the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

In a media release on Thursday, Sri Lanka cricket said that the decision the 51-year-old Sri Lankan politician was handed over the responsibility of ACC's presidentship during a meeting held in Dubai today.

He will replace fellow Sri Lankan Jayantha Dharmadasa.

"A name associated with cricket for over two decades, Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala is no stranger to the game or the management of cricket in this country. He has also served as the President of the ACC during the year 1997-1998. A man committed to developing the game in Sri Lanka, Hon.Thilanga Sumathipala is all set to take the country’s most popular sport to the next level. His vision and passion for cricket makes him the ideal personality to head the cricket council in the region for the second term," the release said.

Commenting on his appointment Sumathipala said, "Being world champions in the cricketing arena, Sri Lanka is geared to spearhead the development of cricket in the Asian region. It is a great honour for my country and myself, to assume duties as the President of ACC."

The ACC was established in 1983 and has 25 members.