Herath has told BBC Sinhala Service that he would soon take a decision on retiring from international cricket.
The most senior player in the national team counting 18 years playing Test cricket, he has captured 418 wickets in 90 matches, the highest scalps by a left hand bowler ever.
Herath said he would discuss his retirement with the captain and the team management after the Test series with South Africa that starts on Thursday.
National team with sports minister Faizer Mustafa
Considered only second to Muttiah Muralitharan, Herath’s bowling has been instrumental in securing wins for Sri Lanka in many Tests.
He said his position could be taken by spinners in the calibre of Dilruwan Perera, Akila Dhananjaya and Lakshan Sandakan.