Roshan Mahanama, former Sri Lankan captain and the holder of three world records is here for the launch of his autobiography "Retired Hurt".

"UAE has a special place in my career. It was in Dubai that I made my first overseas trip as a national team player and I captained Sri Lanka for a Sharjah tournament. I have a lot of followers here and so I felt that I should launch the book here," said Mahanama, whose autobiography created a sensation just before its release in Australia.

In the book, Mahanama had narrated an incident where Australian pacer Glen McGrath, during the 1996 tour, called Jayasuriya "a black monkey". The incident led to Mahanama facing legal threats and injunction against the release of the book.

"The reason behind coming out with a book was to tell my story. I feel present cricketers like Chaminda Vaas, Marvan Atapattu, Jayasuriya and Muralitharan should also come up with their stories. Cricketers are coming out with their autobiography the world over, so Sri Lankan cricketers should do it too. When I retired I realised that I had a story to tell. I am happy that I could say what I wanted to through this book," said Mahanama.

On the McGrath-Jayasuriya incident, Mahanama said: "I did not fabricate the incident to sell my book. It was not a commercial exercise. It was blown out of proportion by the Australian press."

Mahanama is launching the Sinhala version of the book "Vedanathmaka Samugenma" today at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and the English version on May 3 at a special function to be held at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai.

Mahanama is here with his father Upali Mahanama and wife Jeeva and three daughters Rashmika, Sajni and Ruvinya.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the launch of the event, Russel Baptist who has been assisting in the launch, said: "The book deals with the exciting life story of Mahanama and we are delighted that this book has arrived in UAE."

The press conference was attended by Dylan Aniff, General Manager Quality Inn, Walter Hall, Resident Manager Crowne Plaza and Kumar De Silva, Manager Sri Lankan Airlines.

Over 30,000 Sri Lankans are expected to gather at the Sharjah Stadium today for the colourful function which will co-incide with the Sri Lankan New Year day celebrations.

The book, soon after its launch in Sri Lanka, is among the best sellers. Mahanama launched the book recently in Baharain and donated 20 per cent of his earnings from the book for the housing development programme for the poor. In Sri Lanka, soon after the release, he donated 40 per cent of his earnings to Sarvodaya.

"The launch of the English version of the book will be attended by Janaka Nakavita, Sri Lankan Ambassador to UAE and there will be video show on Mahanama's various feats," said Upali.

Mahanama holds the highest partnership record for any wicket in Test cricket (576 runs with Jayasuriya 340 and Mahanama 225) and highest partnership for second wicket beating the record of 457 for the second wicket set by Don Bradman and Ponsford in 1938. He also became the holder of the longest partnership in Test cricket by batting for two full days and one hour on the third day.

Mahanama retired after playing in 52 matches and scoring 2576 runs in Tests, and 5163 runs from 213 One-day matches. He took 109 catches in One-dayers and 56 catches in Tests.

The launch of the book is being supported by Oakwood Publishing in Dubai and co sponsored by Sri Lankan Airlines, Crowne Plaza, Quality Inn (Horse Shoe) and Frico.