Sri Lanka's veteran all rounder Sanath Jayasuriya's mother has criticised her cricket star son for entering the politics with an appearance in a political meeting to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

In an unprecedented move for a national player, Sanath Jayasuriya yesterday joined President Mahinda Rajapaksa's election campaign in Ambalangoda.

Analysts say it is the first time a national player still representing the country has actively take part in an election campaign.

His mother and close friends have openly criticised the move.

Jayasuriya also appears in television advertisements organised by President's son Namal Rajapaksa in support of Mr. Rajapaksa's re-election.

Family sources said that Sanath Jayasuriya has told those close to him that he plans to enter national politics from Matara district after playing for Sri Lanka at 2011 Cricket World Cup to be held in Asia.

Jayasuriya has also expressed his gratitude to the President for ordering the cricket authorities take him back into the team when Jayasuriya was omitted from the team that was to tour England sometime ago.

Angry mother and close friends have warned him that they would neither vote for the President Rajapaksa nor for Jayasuriya when he enters politics in the future.