Breaking Boundaries Sri Lanka’s Trailblazing Female Cricket Umpire

Sri Lankan cricket has witnessed a quiet yet powerful revolution. From playing informally with her brothers to officiating World Cup finals, Nimali Perera’s journey reflects courage, discipline, and unwavering belief. In this exclusive cover interview, she reflects on her path, her milestones, and the future she envisions for women in cricket.

Words : Sachini Perera

You have broken several barriers in Sri Lankan cricket. What first inspired you to move from playing the game to officiating it?

My journey goes back to the time when I was playing for the Sri Lanka Army. Colonel Abesekara was responsible for cricket in the Army and closely worked with us and always advised us to have a future pathway after our playing careers. Following his guidance, I began attending a Level One cricket coaching program in 2013, intending to become a coach. Further in 2014, Sri Lanka Cricket conducted a special examination for female umpires, and I passed, which marked my transition from playing to umpiring. Soon I realized that my true strengths and passion were in umpiring rather than coaching. Sri Lanka Cricket later informed us that they planned to send a female umpire for the 2017 Women’s World Cup, and from that moment, I set my sights on that goal. I worked diligently to build my knowledge, skills and experience -and that commitment became the foundation of my umpiring journey.

Becoming Sri Lanka’s first female umpire in men’s international cricket is historic. What emotions did you experience when you were at Pallekele for that T20?

I actually went through a very nerve-wracking experience during my very first match. But I never saw it as a matter of men’s or women’s cricket - the preparation and the nervousness are the same for, TV umpiring in men’s games or womens games. After completing a couple of overs, I naturally settled into the game. The emotions I felt are hard to put into words. When I heard that I had been selected to officiate a Men’s T20 series as the 3rd umpire, I felt happy, but I didn’t think of it as a trailblazing moment at that time. However, after finishing the first match - with all the commentary, media attention, social-media posts, and the many wishes I received - I truly felt thrilled and proud. It made me realize that I had created history as Sri Lanka’s first female umpire to officiate in a Men’s series.

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