President Mahinda Rajapaksa today hailed spin wizard M Muralitharan's latest achievement, 
"Murali has been an ornament in the world of cricket, overcoming the gravest of challenges, spinning his way to success for himself, his team and his country," the President added in his congratulatory message.
"I send my warmest congratulations to Muttiah Muralitharan, on his achieving his new record of 800 wickets in Test Cricket in 133 Tests, as he retires from this form of the game today, having contributed much to the victory of Sri Lanka in his final Test. "
"Murali, to all of us who enjoy the game of cricket, through the past 18 years, has played a great innings both for his own glory and Sri Lanka’s pride.
"In all this time, Murali has been an ornament in the world of cricket, overcoming the gravest of challenges, spinning his way to success for himself, his team and his country.
"He has won the admiration of all who loved Cricket, and earned well deserved plaudits for his continued success in all forms of the game.
"Sri Lanka is proud of this son of our soil, who has reached the greatest height as a bowler with his new record, winning the highest respect of his contemporaries in the game the world over, and the most discerning of critics and commentators, too. The records he has notched in Test Cricket and ODIs will be eagerly chased by many a bowler in the years to come, though it will be a difficult task. .
"Even in retirement from Test Cricket, we look forward to the contribution that Murali will continue to make in the field of sports and leadership, especially the example he will set to the youth of Sri Lanka, in keeping alive the true spirit of competition and sportsmanship. .
"I wish Murali every success in the years ahead," President Rajapaksa said.
Government spokesman and Media Minister Kehelliya meanwhile said Sri Lanka "hopes that Muralitharan's world record total of 800 Test wickets will never be beaten".
The minister made the remarks at his weekly post-cabinet press meeting.
"He is a true hero of the nation who brought the pride to the country in the international arena through his performance in the spheres of Test Cricket," said Mr Rambukwella.