Aravinda de Silva appointed as national selector

Aravinda de Silva has been appointed as a national cricket selector just days after retiring from international cricket.

De Silva, Sri Lanka's highest run scorer in Tests and ODIs, is one of three new faces on a five-man selection panel to be announced on Tuesday.

Former Sri Lanka leg-spinner and selector Lalith Kaluperuma and former manager Jayantha Paranathala have also been appointed.

Former Sri Lanka wicket-keeper Guy de Alwis will continue as chairman and Roger Wijesuriya will remain a member.

Sri Lanka's selectors are appointed by the Minister of Sports, usually after recommendations from the Cricket Board.

The panel's first task will be to resolve a disagreement with star spinner Muttiah Muralitharan who was originally omitted from a 15-man squad for the Sharjah Cup.

Muralitharan has reacted with surprise and confusion to his omission from the squad, apparently on the grounds of fitness.