Colombo [Sri Lanka], October 18 (ANI): Sri Lanka's first Test skipper Bandula Warnapura passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Colombo. "I am deeply saddened by the demise of Bandula Warnapura, who was Sri Lanka's First Test Captain. He was an excellent cricketer, administrator, coach, commentator, and above all, a good person, and his passing away is o huge loss for the cricketing community," said Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president Shammi Silva in a statement. "However, I am sure his name and deeds will remain in our hearts forever. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana," he added.Rohit Sharma Jumps Into His New Team India Jersey in Style Ahead of T20 World Cup 2021 Practice Match vs England (Watch Video)

Warnapura, who was 68, was admitted to the ICU after being diagnosed with high sugar and poor blood circulation. He led the island nation in their maiden Test against England in the year 1982. However, his career ended on a poor note as he was handed a life ban for leading a Sri Lankan rebel team to apartheid South Africa in 1982/83.

He returned to Sri Lanka cricket in 1991 as coach of the national side and the administrator of the cricket board.   Former Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara said he was "deeply saddened" by the passing away of Warnapura and remembered him for his service for Asian cricket.

"Deeply saddened by the passing away of Bandula Warnapura. He did immense service to Sri Lankan and Asian cricket as a player and an administrator. It was such a joy to chat with him on everything cricket. A good and gentleman. We will miss him. Our thoughts are with his loved ones," Sangakkara tweeted. The 68-year-old former cricketer played four Tests and 12 ODIs for Sri Lanka. Warnapura had made his ODI debut in the 1975 World Cup while his first game in the longest format came in February 1982.