Kirsten, 58, previously guided India to the 2011 World Cup title and later coached South Africa from 2011 to 2013. He also briefly served as Pakistan's white-ball coach in 2024, resigning six months into the job.
He replaces Sanath Jayasuriya, who stepped down after Sri Lanka's disappointing campaign at the recent Twenty20 World Cup.
"Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the appointment of former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten as the new head coach of the national men's team, effective from April 15, 2026," they said in a statement.
"The appointment of the new head coach is part of Sri Lanka Cricket's efforts to revamp the structure of the National High Performance Center."
The 2027 World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
South Africa and Zimbabwe will qualify automatically for the tournament as hosts. Namibia, despite co-hosting, will have to go through the regular qualification pathway because they are not a full International Cricket Council member.
