Jayasuriya took Sri Lanka to the World Cup semi-finals

Anura Tennekoon, chief executive of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL), told BBC Sport he fully expected Jayasuriya to give up the role.

Tennekoon said: "He has indicated that he would like to relinquish the captaincy but he has not officially informed us yet.

"On his return from Sharjah he is likely to indicate what his position is."

He said that assuming Jayasuriya does now resign, appointing a new captain will be entirely down to the selectors.

On Sunday, Jayasuriya told TEN Sports that the time had come to look to the future and hand over the leadership.

He initially tendered his resignation soon after the World Cup but was persuaded to stay on by the sports minister and selectors for the Sharjah Cup.

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

"I was asked to continue for Sharjah but after this they will have to find someone else to do the job," said Jayasuriya.

"I have made my decision and I will continue as a player."

Explaining his decision, he said: "After the World Cup I thought the time had come to groom someone for the 2007 World Cup."

The 33-year-old believes Marvan Atapattu, the current vice-captain, is his natural successor:

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

Meanwhile, Tennekoon is hoping to name a new coach to succeed Dav Whatmore by the end of April.

He said: "So far we have spoken to quite a few people - just making preliminary inquiries on whether they are interested."