It was a great exposure for me. The international cricket arena requires a lot of commitment and effort. I think it's a chance for any cricketer to perform well and open up the pathway towards your dream of playing for the country, which I have had from my childhood

What is your most memorable performance in school cricket?

Taking 13 wickets against arch-rivals Mahanama College, captaining my team to a historic big match win and being crowned the Bata All-Island Best Bowler 2014.

You were in the Sri Lanka squad for Mahela Jayawardene's farewell Test, how was that experience?

It was a tremendous moment to be a part of the farewell Test of one of the most prolific and most respected Test players in the world Mahela aiya. It gave me an idea of how commitment, passion and performance can bring you glory in life — his final Test match and the celebrations that ensued continues to inspire me.

What was it like to share the dressing room with the likes of Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Angelo Mathews and Rangana Herath?

It was one of my dreams that became a reality so early in my life. Words cannot express how much I appreciate the opportunity and the lessons I learned by being with the likes of Mahela aiya Kumar aiya, Herath aiya and Angie aiya.

What is your favorite format — Tests, ODI or T20?

I enjoy any format and I'm committed to deliver the best for my country.

What is your greatest strength as a bowler, can you move the ball both ways, and what kind of variations do you possess?

I have the ability to swing it both ways and get extra bounce on any wicket. I can bowl slow-balls, slow-bouncers and yorkers.

What is the fastest you have clocked on the speed gun?

135 kmph.

After Chaminda Vaas, Sri Lanka are still looking for a good left-arm fast bowler, can you fill that void if you are picked?

I will make sure that I do my best in every game by being driven with the moto 'country before self', while maintaining my physical strength and the passion to reach glory in every game.

What was it like working with Vaas and Marvan Atapattu?

It's a great experience working with Marvan sir and Vaas sir, and both of them are great players during their time and they carry wider exposure and understanding of the game in their respective areas of dominance.

Who is your all-time favorite batsman and bowler?

Mahela Jayawardene and Chaminda Vaas.

Who are your fast-bowling role models?

Chaminda Vaas and Wasim Akram.

How do you cope with slow, low Asian pitches?

Through the use of swing and variations.

You have been bowling well for SSC in the past couple of months and striking with the new ball, are you expecting a call-up for the upcoming Pakistan series?

Yes, I'm eagerly waiting for it.

By Daniel Alexander

(Island Cricket)