Perera, who has scored 1,259 runs at an average of 27.36 in one-day internationals and has played three Test matches for his country, was sent home from Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand earlier this month following a positive drugs test.

The 25-year-old then took up his right to a “B” sample analysis in the hope of clearing his name but the same substance was found.

Neither the International Cricket Council (ICC), world cricket’s governing body, nor Sri Lanka Cricket have revealed what the substance is.

The news came before Pakistani leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who has taken 76 wickets in 12 Test matches, was given a provisional suspension for testing positive for chlortalidone following the second one-day international against England in Abu Dhabi last month.

Shah was recently named in the ICC's Test Team of the Year and will be unable to compete while the ICC conduct their disciplinary process.

Sri Lanka Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara has confirmed an appeal against Perera's positive finding will be launched and maintained his support for the wicketkeeper, who could miss the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England and Wales if he is given the maximum four-year suspension.

Jayasekara had earlier claimed the positive test was part of a conspiracy to keep Perera from playing at next year’s ICC World Twenty20, which takes place in India from March 8 to April 3, where Sri Lanka will be aiming to defend their title.

“We are appealing against this because he was never found like this in the last four instances,” he said.

“We will back him with legal representation while doing every possible effort to help him to get out of this issue.”

Sri Lanka are yet to taste victory on their tour of New Zealand as the hosts wrapped up a 2-0 Test series win.

New Zealand have also reigned supreme in all three one-day internationals so far after they thumped the Sri Lankans by 10 wickets yesterday.

The fourth ODI takes place in Nelson on December 31 before the series concludes in Mount Maunganui two days later.