He spent two hours talking to and watching around 40 children at Ifield Community College in two sessions organised by Crawley Cricket Academy.
Jayawardena said: “I am playing cricket in Sussex and I love playing with the kids because I want to help inspire them to be good cricketers.
“Azam Riyard is trying to get Asian kids to play cricket and maybe become a homegrown player for Sussex one day.
“The kids are only 8 and 10 and if we can encourage more to play, England will benefit!”
Crawley Cricket Academy manager Azam Riyard is old friends with the legendary batsman.
He said: “I wanted the children to have this opportunity to experience time with a great.
“People like Mahela and give a lasting impression. To have experience of having time with a great is fantastic for the children. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children.
