Atapattu 'not cleared yet'

It was confirmed on Thursday Hashan Tillakaratne would retain the post for Australia's visit starting next month.

But SLC vice-president Aravinda de Silva said one-day skipper Atapattu's time as Test leader was near.

"Marvan knows that it is only a matter of time before he is handed over the Sri Lanka Test captaincy," former Test star de Silva said.

He added: "He's aware of it and he has been told that he will be Tillakaratne's successor."

Selectors decided to stick with the split captaincy that brought recent home victories over England.

But Tillakaratne's overall record as Test captain is not great, and his form with the bat has also suffered with the extra responsibility.

Mendis is SLC's new chief executive

Atapattu is at the centre of an ongoing police inquiry into a sum of �6,500 that was found in his Kandy hotel room after the second Test against England.

The opening batsman denied the cash was his, but no one has claimed it. The ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit is also conducting an investigation.

SLC also announced Duleep Mendis as its new chief executive.

It is the latest in a series of major roles for Mendis, who has already been captain, coach and manager of the national team, and a selector.

The 51-year-old succeeds Anura Tennekoon, who retired from the post last month.

He takes over at a difficult time with SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala currently in custody on charges of fraud and passport forgery.

Mendis was a hard-hitting batsman during his playing career and captained Sri Lanka in 19 of his 24 Tests as well as 61 one-day games.

He played in Sri Lanka's inaugural Test against England in 1982, led them to their first victory over India three years later, and also appeared in three World Cups.

His last role was as acting coach following the resignation of Dav Whatmore last year.