Jayasuriya hands in resignation

Jayasuriya hands in resignation

Jayasuriya took Sri Lanka to the World Cup semi-finals

Sanath Jayasuriya has officially informed Sri Lanka officials of his decision to resign as captain - for the second time in a fortnight.

Jayasuriya initially wanted to quit after the World Cup but stayed on when the board did not allow him to step down.

Following Sri Lanka's early exit from the Sharjah Cup recently, Jayasuriya again tendered his resignation.

"I gave a letter to the board referring to my announcement that I'll be resigning after the Sharjah tour," Jayasuriya said on Friday.

Sri Lanka Cricket board's chief selector Lalith Kaluperuma confirmed Jayasuriya's resignation.

"Jayasuriya has given a letter saying he's not willing to continue. In that aspect will have to look for alternatives," Kaluperuma said, adding that a final decision will only be taken next week.

Jayasuriya said he felt Sri Lanka needed to groom a successor for the next World Cup, to be staged in the West Indies in 2007.

Marvan Atapattu should take over. He has a lot of experience and has been vice-captain for some time now

Sanath Jayasuriya

He suggested vice-captain Marvan Atapattu as the best option, but said choosing a captain is the job of the selectors.

"My personal thinking is that Marvan should take over - he has a lot of experience and has been vice-captain for some time now."

Former Dav Whatmore praised Jayasuriya's tenure as captain.

"I think he has done a tremendous job," said Whatmore, who has also recently submitted his resignation.

"I am sure he tried hard always and made sure that he gave his best at all times."