Gloucestershire have signed Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera for the NatWest T20 Blast campaign this year.

A T20 World Cup winner, who has over 100 appearances for Sri Lanka in one-day internationals and 56 international T20 appearances, Perera will bring bags of talent and experience to the Gloucestershire dressing room.

The 28-year old, who hit the winning runs in the ICC World Twenty20 final in 2014 and has played in T20 tournaments all around the globe, is an aggressive left-handed batsman who can hit big sixes in death overs while being a skilful right-arm medium-fast bowler.

He recently played for the Melbourne Renegades in the Australian Big Bash and has also scored runs and taken wickets in the Caribbean Premier League and Indian Premier League.

Perera said: “I am delighted to be joining a talented and ambitious side for the T20 Blast.

“Working alongside two excellent coaches in Richard Dawson and Ian Harvey, I am sure I will learn a lot while at the same time adding to the quality already within the group.

“I am hoping to bring a bit of Sri Lankan magic to Bristol and Cheltenham, and look forward to entertaining the crowds.”

Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson said: “It’s great to have secured the signing of Thisara for the T20 competition.

“He’s shown that he is a match winner with both bat and ball, and also brings a lot of experience after playing all around the world.

“He will be a huge asset to the team and we look forward to him joining us soon.”

Chief executive Will Brown added: “Having a player of Thisara’s quality join the club is a huge coup for Gloucestershire.

“He has been a major player in the Sri Lankan international side for a number of years now and has thrilled fans across the world with both bat and ball.

“His experience playing in both the Big Bash and the IPL will be invaluable this season and we look forward to his arrival and giving him a warm West Country welcome.”