Thilan Samaraweera became the third Sri Lankan cricketer to make a Test hundred on debut after Romesh Kaluwitharan in 1992/93 and Brendon Kuruppu in 1986/87.

The 24 year old who has been acting as the captain of the Sri Lankan A side in recent times was delighted with his performance: "I am really happy about getting this hundred."

He also feels that his hard work has finally paid dividends: "In the last one and half years I have really worked hard on my batting and bowling."

Samaraweera's was the fourth hundred scored in the Sri Lankan innings. He admits that he never expected to score a hundred: "I just went there to get my first Test run. Then at tea I had scored a fifty and afterwards Hashan (Tillakaratne) told me to play positively. When I got into the 80s and 90s I was really determined."

Samaraweera didn't get a chance in the first two Test Matches, but here at SSC he was given a chance and he made most of it: "We played the first two Tests with four fast bowlers, but in the end I got this chance to play in my home venue."

Samaraweera is an off spinning allrounder, but failed to make an impression with the ball in the first innings.

"I am basically a bowling all-rounder, but once again Murali bowled well in the first innings. If I can't do my part with the ball I have got to do it with the bat" said Samaraweera.

Dav Whatmore was fulsome in his praise: ""Thilan has always been a strong-minded cricketer, who gives the impression that he will make the most of any opportunity given to him. By the sheer weight of performance he has forced himself into the side and has yet again grabbed his chance."

© CricInfo