Whatmore's side struggled with their batting

The Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) decided not to renew Whatmore's contract when it ends in May, saying they wanted to inject "fresh thinking" into the team.

He will continue to be in charge of the team for the Sharjah Cup against Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Kenya from 3-10 April and the subsequent home series against New Zealand from 25 April.

Whatmore, a Sri Lankan-born Australian, was in his second spell with the team, after masterminding their World Cup triumph in 1996.

Seven years later, the side reached the semi-final stage before being downed by eventual champions Australia.

"Whatmore has been with the team for a long time and what we feel is that there should be fresh thinking," said BCCSL chief executive Anura Tennekoon.

Whatmore declined to comment on the announcement, saying he would issue a statement after the April 3-10 Sharjah Cup.

The national team's long-time physiotherapist, Alex Kontouri, will also be replaced next month, Tennekoon said.

The five-member selection committee has been revamped with the addition of the recently retired Aravinda de Silva.

The selectors are still unclear as to whether Sanath Jayasuriya would step down as captain after the Sharjah series.

He tried to resign the captaincy after the World Cup but was asked to remain by the sports minister.