Following that tournament opener against India in Guwahati, Sri Lanka will play five of their remaining six matches at the event in front of their home fans in Colombo and Athapaththu is hoping the crowd will come out and support the side.
“We are excited to be playing some matches in front of our own fans. It’s a huge advantage and an good opportunity for us,” she said.
“Sri Lankan cricket has come a long way since the 1990s and we have taken part in several World Cups since.
“In my own time, I can confidently say that we’ve grown so much as a team over the years.
“In 2013, we beat defending champions England as well as India and that was by far the best achievement we had in a World Cup up to that point.
“I feel we have only gotten better since and that we can compete against any side in the world.”
Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya. Reserve: Inoshi Fernando