Kumar Sangakkara has admitted that it was a big blow for Sri Lanka to lose head coach Paul Farbrace earlier this month.

Farbrace elected to end his association with the World Twenty20 champions in favour of becoming assistant to Peter Moores, who has been named England's head coach for the second time.

Despite his obvious disappointment, Sangakkara is confident that Farbrace will be a big help for England as they look to recover from a difficult few months on tour.

"He could understand how Sri Lanka works and his impact was really important for us in those three months," the 36-year-old told Sky Sports News.

"It's unfortunate, the circumstances surrounding how he left, it was probably not nice, but England will gain hugely from Paul.

"He's a top guy and a wonderful coach. He's very good with people and sometimes that's more important than having all the knowledge in the world."

Sri Lanka arrive in England next week for a Twenty20 game, five one-day internationals and two Test matches.