1. Who do you believe has stood behind your success?
There are many people to thank for my success. I would especially like to thank God, my parents, my wife, and my children for the sacrifices they have made for me. My school, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, along with my teachers and coaches, has also played a crucial role in shaping me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful to all of them.
2. What about your studies along with cricket?
Balancing academics with cricket was challenging, but my family played a key role in making it possible. My mother was a massive support, helping me complete both O/Ls and A/Ls and ensuring that I didn’t neglect my education. At the same time, my father constantly encouraged me to continue pursuing cricket.
3. What made you decide that now is the right time for you to retire from Test cricket?
The decision to retire from Test cricket was not sudden but something I had been considering for a while. I first looked at how my performances over the last 7 or 8 tournaments were not up to my own expectations. That is one reason and another is, as I feel this is the right time to take a step aside and let the next generation lead the way.
4. As a fellow Josephian, did Chaminda Vaas influence you in your cricketing journey?
Chaminda Vaas is still one of my biggest idols in cricket. Vaas is a “silent hero” of Sri Lanka that often goes underappreciated. It is a miracle to play even 10 matches as a fast bowler but he managed to do it consistently at the highest level. Something no one else in Asia has done quite like him. Not everyone can do what Vaas did. I still get advice from him and without a doubt, he is the greatest cricketer to have ever come out of St. Joseph’s College.
5. Can you describe how you felt the first time you represented Sri Lanka? What was the experience like, especially when you first came to Khettarama?
Yes, as I recall, in 2007, after a standout performance in a provincial tournament, I was selected to tour to South Africa, where I scored two centuries in One Day matches. Those were the first moments I was in the dressing room, surrounded by legends like Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, and Muttiah Muralitharan, whom I had only seen on TV. I was nervous back then because I didn’t know how to act around such heroes but still they welcomed me and treated me like family. I am always thankful for that support especially in my early years.
6. How do you reflect on your 4/44 with the ball and 160 with the bat in England 2014—one of your finest all-round performances?
It was a very pivotal spell for the team. It helped us break England’s strong momentum after their solid start. With the bat, my 160-run innings, built on a gritty 149-run partnership with Rangana Herath for the eighth wicket, played a major role in shifting the match in Sri Lanka’s favour.
I should also mention the contribution of Dhammika Prasad, he bowled exceptionally well during the series. He seamed the ball so well that even the England team was surprised. I believe he truly paved the way for us to win that match.
7. Some of the most challenging moments you can recall in your history with cricket?
One of the toughest periods in my career was during the low-scoring series against Zimbabwe. In the very first match, I scored 0, which was disappointing. However, I was confident that I would perform better in the following games but what truly helped me through that moment was the trust my teammates had in me.
Another challenging moment was being run out for 99 against India. It was painful because it would have been my maiden Test century, and scoring a hundred against India was the ultimate goal for me. I saw there were two more runs to go, and in my haste, I dived and fell short. It was heartbreaking after working so hard to get there.
8. What are your thoughts on the current Sri Lankan cricket team and how do you see the future of Sri Lankan cricket shaping up?
I can say that I am optimistic and hopeful about the direction of Sri Lankan cricket. Truthfully, after Sanath Jayasuriya started coaching along with the involvement of players like Upul Tharanga, the team has seen significant improvement. They have taken Sri Lankan cricket to the next level because I can rightfully say that the most crucial element for success, communication, is there within the team. The coaches’ handling of the players has created some positive attitudes toward cricket and I can see a bright future for cricket in Sri Lanka.
9. What series or tournament would you call your “Golden Series”?
I can say that the 2016 Test series against Australia was my “Golden Series.” It was a historic moment for Sri Lankan cricket as it marked the first time Sri Lanka whitewashed Australia in a Test series and that too against the then world No. 1 Test side. No one expected us to win that series, but with players like Rangana Herath and Kusal Mendis, performing exceptionally, the whole team could achieve stunning scores.
10. How did it feel to miss the 2011 World Cup Finale due to a muscle injury? What did that moment mean to you?
That experience was heartbreaking. With only two days left before the Final, I sustained a muscle injury that was severe enough to rule me out of the match. There was no way I could recover in time. My injury was that severe. It was a major setback, not just for me personally, but also for the team, as we had to quickly adapt and fill that gap and it was not easy to balance my absence.
It was tough to sit out and watch from the sidelines, knowing how much we had worked to get there.
11. Looking back, how do you feel about your reaction during the timeout incident?
I was angry and disappointed at the time because that situation was unfair. I was ready to bat but I was delayed by a helmet change due to a broken strap, not because of time-wasting. It was a bitter pill to swallow especially in a high-stakes World Cup match. Everyone, including me, thought that I would be banned but the match officials acknowledged that time out was unfair and the delay was reasonable. They apologized to me privately, but to this day, there has been no official press release about the incident.
12. Your opinions on your involvement with charity projects like “Little Hearts” and “Eco Promise”. What do their causes mean to you?
We, as brand ambassadors, have a responsibility to contribute to society. The “Little Hearts” project is very close to my heart, especially after my child faced some health issues. That’s when I learned about the incredible work being done at Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH). Sadly, many people aren’t even aware that such a project exists.
And also, as brand ambassadors, we launched a project through BIMT campus to plant 1,000 coconut and jackfruit trees across the country. This isn’t just about greenery. It’s about improving food security and supporting our environment.
In addition to that, there is another project with the “Indira Cancer Trust” and its “Make a Wish” program to support cancer patients. I truly encourage others to join hands with these causes because they make a real difference in these patients’ lives and in the well-being of our nation.