Atapattu is the captain of Sri Lanka's one-day side

The money, in Sri Lankan rupees, was found by hotel staff after the team checked out following the second Test against England in Kandy last week.

"That money doesn't belong to me," said 33-year-old Atapattu.

"I don't carry such huge amounts of money while playing. I don't know to whom the money belongs."

He added: "Other people have stayed in that room before me and after I left the hotel," added Atapattu, who is the captain of the one-day side.

The money was reportedly discovered by a cleaner, who informed hotel management of the matter.

The CID will find out what really took place Manager Ajith Jayasekera

Sri Lanka Cricket officials were finally told about the matter on Saturday.

"Board president Thilanga Sumathipala has asked for the inquiry," said team manager Ajith Jayasekera.

By Monday, the cash was still being kept safe by the hotel's general manager Roshan Fernando.

He said: "We are waiting for someone to claim it, but no one has come forward."

Atapattu is a senior member of the Sri Lankan side, with 68 Tests and 201 one-day internationals behind him.

But he was unable to bat in the current Test against England in Colombo after damaging his left hand while taking a catch on the opening day.