He has joined the club for a month as a replacement for compatriot Muttiah Muralidaran, who will be on Test duty against Bangladesh.

"It's exciting -- I'm really looking forward to playing for Lancashire.

"This form of cricket is very interesting. I've played quite a few games and really enjoyed it," the 37-year-old commented.

Jayasuriya, who played for Somerset two years ago, will make his debut in Friday's game against Durham at Old Trafford.

Lancashire, the runners-up two years ago, are hoping to see the kind of style which brought him fifty off 23 balls against New Zealand last December, the fastest half century in a Twenty20 international.

And an added bonus is that Jayasuriya will also be available for the home Roses Championship match against Yorkshire, starting on July 8.

"Murali wanted me to come and replace him for a month, so I said I would come until he comes back," he added.