Sports Minister Harin Fernando had said that Hathurusingha would be given until the start of Sri Lanka's home Test series against New Zealand, which begins on August 14, to quit and make way for a new coach.
Sri Lanka was considering applications from three "top international cricket coaches" to replace incumbent Chandika Hathurusingha.
Sources said Hathurusinghe was expected to return to coaching Bangladesh after the sacking of Steve Rhodes by that team.
Sri Lanka's sports minister has ordered the sacking of the national cricket coach after a lacklustre World Cup campaign.
It was reported that Sri Lanka sports minister Harin Fernando was unhappy with Hathurusingha's performance and that he would be asked to step down.
Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha has warned that misfiring South Africa could still be dangerous.
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has urged his team to "stay ruthless" at the World Cup as they train their sights on Sri Lanka after shocking England.
Du Plessis said that if the bowlers performed, it would be up to the top six in the batting order to make sure they scored enough runs.
Hathurusingha was stripped of his team selection responsibilities, in January, underscoring tensions within the team and its management.
Rixon reckons that the 24-year-old Mendis has the talent and with the right grooming can be a standout player for Sri Lanka.