The vastly-experienced international star will be available for Sussex's first seven games in the competition, beginning with their clash against the Kent Spitfires on May 15 in Canterbury.

Jayawardene, 37, has played 170 matches in the shortest format of the game, scoring over 4,000 runs, with 1,500 of those coming in his 55 Twenty20 internationals.

He retired from international Twenty20 matches last year and signed off in style by helping Sri Lanka win the World Twenty20.

Jayawardene said: “I am really excited about basing myself down at Hove and playing for Sussex during the first half of the summer.

“Sussex is a great club with a proud history and I want to help them win the NatWest T20 Blast this year.”

The county's professional cricket manager Mark Robinson is delighted with their new addition.

He added: “It is fantastic news that a player of the calibre of Mahela has agreed to join us.

“His record and his reputation is second to none, and he will also bring into our dressing room his leadership and experience. I’m sure he will be a huge asset to Luke Wright as the new captain, and the whole squad and coaching staff.”