Sri Lanka's new Test and ODI skipper Angelo Mathews has set his team lofty goals going forward as they look to reach the summit of the rankings in all formats.

Mathews has replaced Mahela Jayawardene has captain after Jayawardene stepped down following Sri Lanka's tour to Australia.

Sri Lanka have endured a tough time in the Test arena of late, winning just four matches since Muttiah Muralitharan retired in 2010 and they have not won a series away from home since 2008.

Such poor form has seen them slip down to sixth in the Test rankings and fifth in the 50 over rankings.

Mathews is determined to get Sri Lanka back into the upper echelons of the rankings.

"My main ambition now is to see the Sri Lankan cricket team in the top three in the next few years," he explained.

"We've dropped down to sixth place in Tests and fifth in ODIs. It won't be easy, and it will take some time. Myself, Chandimal and the selectors will have to work closely to achieve that."

Sri Lanka's next assignment is against Bangladesh at the beginning of March. They will play two Tests, three ODIs and one T20 clash against the Tigers.