Mendis has filled a range of important positions for Sri Lanka

He will be in charge for two home Tests against New Zealand later this month and a subsequent one-day series, also involving Pakistan.

Mendis takes over from Dav Whatmore, who requested an early release from his contract, which was due to expire at the end of May.

Whatmore, a Sri Lankan-born Australian, was instrumental in shaping the side into world champions in 1996 and also guided them to the semi-finals of the recent World Cup in South Africa.

The Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka have drawn up a short-list of potential replacements, but chief executive Anura Tennakoon has so far refused to confirm the names.

The favoured candidates are believed to be Australian Steve Rixon, former South Africa coach Graham Ford and New Zealander John Bracewell, who is currently in charge of English county side Gloucestershire.

Whatmore is linked to a job at India's cricket academy

Mendis, meanwhile, has a wealth of experience, having previously served as team manager and chairman of selectors, as well as skippering Sri Lanka in 19 of his 24 Tests and 61 one-day games.

The 50-year-old played in Sri Lanka's inaugural Test against England in 1982 and the 1979, 1983 and 1987 World Cups.

"He is no doubt one of the best suited candidates to take over the coaching of the national team during this important time," a Board spokesman commented.

The BCCSL hope to name a permanent replacement for Whatmore in time for the tour to the West Indies which begins in early June.