Sangakkara said he told the national selectors that he would quit as one-day and Twenty20 captain with immediate effect, but offered to continue as Test captain on an interim basis if required.
"After careful consideration I have concluded that it is in the best long-term interests of the team that I step down now as national captain so that a new leader can be properly groomed for the 2015 World Cup," Sangakkara, 33, wrote to Sri Lanka Cricket.
"This was a decision I made prior to the World Cup. I will be 37 by the next World Cup and I cannot therefore be sure of my place in the team.
"It is better that Sri Lanka is led now by a player who will be at the peak of their career during that tournament."
Sangakkara, a fluent left-hand batsman and wicket-keeper, said he had no plans yet to retire as a player.
"I met with the selectors on Monday and I explained my reasons for my decision and I assured them of my fullest support in helping our new captain settle into the leadership," he wrote.
"In this regard, I have offered to continue as the Test captain for the forthcoming series with England, and possibly Australia, if the selectors believe this would help the new captain and aid the transition.
"I have no plans of retirement from international cricket at this stage and, subject to form and fitness, I would like to be considered for selection in all three formats of the game for the foreseeable future."
Sangakkara has scored 8,244 runs in 94 Tests at an average of 57.25 with 24 centuries. He also has 9,164 runs in 291 one-dayers with 11 hundreds.
Sangakkara said he had enjoyed his two-year stint as captain since taking over from Mahela Jayawardene in March, 2009.
"It has been a true honour and a great privilege to serve my country as captain during the past two years," he said.
"Although bitterly disappointed that we could not win the final, I am very proud of the performances of the team.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team-mates and the coaching staff for their hard work and support."
There was no immediate comment from Sri Lanka Cricket or the national selectors on Sangakkara's decision.
LEADING FROM THE FRONT
Sangakkara was the third highest rungetter in the 2011 World Cup, with 465 runs at an average of 93. Named captain of ICC's 2011 World Cup XI.
Unusually, Sanga's average shot up in all 3 forms after he became captain. In 94 Tests, he has scored 8,244 runs (avg 57.3). As captain, he scored 1,480 runs (avg 70.5)
In ODIs, he has 9,164 runs at avg of 38 (1,756 at 47.4 as captain). In T20, 777 runs have come at avg of 31.1 (639 at 35.5 as skipper)
Under him, SL won 5, lost 3 and drew 6 Tests; won 27 and lost 14 ODIs and won 12 and lost 9 T20 games
Options to replace him: T Dilshan and Angelo Mathews for ODIs, Thilan Samaraweera for Tests
He's the 4th captain to quit after the World Cup, following Ricky Ponting (Australia), Graeme Smith (South Africa) and Daniel Vettori (New Zealand).
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