Sri Lankan coach Graham Ford says he is aware of the enormous challenge in taking the national cricket team from a rebuilding stage to greatness.
A day after taking over as coach for a second stint after an interval of two years, the South African on Tuesday Ford called for patience with an inexperienced team.
"I am very aware what a huge challenge it is. I think Sri Lanka cricket finds itself in a very early stage of a very important rebuilding phase. A lot of hard work needs to be done," Ford said.
"I think it is very important that this rebuilding phase is done on an extremely solid foundation. So patience is important."
Sri Lanka have suffered multiple defeats in the past year since the retirement of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.
The team lost series to Pakistan and India while Sangakkara was still playing. Sri Lanka also were defeated by New Zealand while winning against the West Indies.
The 55-year-old Ford previously coached Sri Lanka for two years. He took over in 2012 before moving to Surrey, leading them to promotion from County Championship Division Two last year.
The Sri Lanka head coach's position had been vacant since former Test captain Marvan Atapattu resigned in early September.
Sri Lanka Cricket president Thilanga Sumathipala said Ford was the best among the 12 candidates considered for the post. Sangakkara, who was playing under Ford at Surrey, helped in the negotiations to secure his services, Sumathipala said.
"A 45-month contract offered to Ford was aimed at preparing a team for the 2019 World Cup in England.
"We have secured a world-class coach who can transform our game to a different height," Sumathipala said.
He also announced fast bowler Lasith Malinga had been appointed captain for the World Twenty20 championship in March and the preceding Asia Cup tournament in Bangladesh.
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