Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has admitted his disappointment at the withdrawal of former skipper Marvan Atapattu from the Test and one-day international squad to face Bangladesh.

The 36-year-old batsman, who was a near certainty to open in the first of three Test matches beginning on June 25 following the selectors' decision to rest Sanath Jayasuriya, cited personal reasons for his pulling-out in a letter to the board but made clear that he will be available in the future.

Jayawardene said: "With regards to Marvan Atapattu opting out, it is very disappointing as we could have used his immense experience.

"What this situation has done is open another door for somebody else. We have young guys in the squad and will look at using them."

Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas and Kumar Sangakkara will participate in the series despite their county commitments in England, although the former duo may be utilised selectively with one eye on the future.

"I am glad that all three players playing county cricket are available for the series," said Jayawardene.

"However, we are looking at managing both Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas in the long term.

"Therefore, we will be very careful in the way we use them. We will take this opportunity to give others opportunities.

"This will naturally give the younger players more exposure and the much-needed break for them.

"Getting back to Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas, they both need a break from the hard grind of cricket." sportinglife