Sri Lanka back under-fire skipper Angelo Mathews

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) insist they have not lost faith in skipper Angelo Mathews despite the team's series Test defeat in South Africa.

The 3-0 whitewash triggered speculation about Mathews' future as captain but he has been backed to continue as captain until the end of the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.

But Sri Lanka Cricket believe the all-rounder can rebuild the team which remains in a period of transition since experienced duo Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene quit international cricket in 2015.

"Angelo has our fullest backing. We are looking at him leading us at the 2019 World Cup," said SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala.

"We have some aggressive plans leading up to the T20s and ODIs [in South Africa]. Angelo is a kind of guy who takes responsibility and we are confident that he will help the team turn things around."

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Chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya blamed the loss in South Africa on inexperience and urged patience as they look to improve.

"As the Sri Lanka team is full of young blood, it is not a surprise that they faced a setback in South Africa," he said.

"This is not a time to blame and destroy Mathews' captaincy. This is a time when we have to strengthen Mathews.

"As a former captain I know how these allegations can badly affect Mathews' morale, especially during a series.

"We have to support Mathews, correct our faults and face the T20I and ODI series with confidence."