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Atapattu resigns as Sri Lanka coach

Former batsman calls time on mentoring role following India Test series defeat

Marvan Atapattu has resigned from his position as Sri Lanka coach after 11 months at the helm of the national side. 

Atapattu was appointed to the role in October 2014, though the former Sri Lanka batsman had been in the position of interim head coach since April of the same year. 

“Mr. Atapattu was appointed to this position in October 2014, previously serving as the Batting Coach to the team from 2011 and as Interim Head Coach for a brief period from April 2014 after Mr.Paul Farbrace resigned," read a press release on the Sri Lanka Cricket homepage.

“During this time, he has given of his time and service with the same professionalism that was his hallmark as an international cricketer.

“The high point of his career as coach must be the series victory against England in England in May/June 2014, when the Sri Lanka Cricket Team excelled in all departments of the game to gain that coveted triumph.

“Sri Lanka Cricket thanks Mr. Atapattu for his efforts as Head Coach and Batting Coach of the Sri Lanka Cricket Team, and we wish him every success in all his future endeavours.”

Atapattu's resignation adds to an end of an era of sorts for the Sri Lankan national side, following the recent retirements of legendary batting duo Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. 

Current Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe and former Sri Lanka coach Graeme Ford have both been floated as potential replacements for the departing Atapattu.