Kumar Sangakkara has paid tribute to Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews for his role in their first Test series victory in England.

Mathews was named his team's man of the series for scoring a century in each Test match, and Sangakkara was eager to reveal his admiration for the skipper after the game at Headingley.

"Mathews showed he is a fantastic young man," the 36-year-old, who led the team for two years until resigning in 2011, told members of the media.

"The way he led us through the tour - through the best of times and some controversy - showed the strength of his character."

Mathews was given the captaincy in February 2013.