Former Sri Lankan Test cricketer Thilan Samaraweera is to be appointed Sri Lanka's new batting coach. 

He replaces Hashan Thilekeratne, who coached Sri Lanka's Test and ODI batsmen in the series against Pakistan. 

Samaraweera's appointment will be valid until the 2019 ICC World Cup, Sri Lanka Cricket sources said. 

He was previously worked as the batting coach of the Bangladesh cricket team. 

After the ICC Champions Trophy, the Bangadeshi cricket authorities did not extend Samaraweera's contract. 

In 81 Test matches, Samaraweera has scored 5462 runs for Sri Lanka, with an average over 48.