Sangakkara declines post of SL's High Commissioner to UK

Mumbai: Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has declined to be the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to United Kingdom. This was revealed by Palitha Pelpola, the Private Secretary to the President of Sri Lanka.

Sangakkara, the 38-year-old prolific wicket-keeper and batsman of Sri Lanka, was offered the prestigious post by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena in August last year when he played his last Test match against India at P. Sara Oval, Colombo. 

"He has been a great face for our country and it gives me immense pleasure in offering him the post of High Commissioner to the UK"

President Sirisena's statement not only surprised many at the ground but Sangakkara himself also and he sought some time to respond to the offer. 

"Sangakkara has declined the post owing to his busy schedule and other commitments," Palitha Pelpola said. 

"We have lined up a few other candidates and will be decided among them," he added. 

Sangakkara is one of the most respected international players not only in Sri Lanka but overseas also.

His farewell Test was being attended by many celebrities including India's Sunil Gavaskar and Sri Lanka's only world cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga.  

His lecture at the Lord's (MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture) was widely praised by the cricketing community. 

He was recently instrumental in hiring Graham Ford as national coach.  

Sangakkara has played 134 Tests, 404 ODIs and 56 T20 matches.