He toured with the Ceylon team to India in 1940-41 and Pakistan in 1949-50.

He had a reputation for standing up to the stumps to all but the fastest bowlers.

[1][2] His obituary in the 1980 Wisden, shortly before Sri Lanka achieved Test status, called him "Sri Lanka's greatest wicket-keeper".

[3] Playing in a one-day match against the touring Australian team in early 1948, Navaratne's keeping earned high praise from the visitors.

Sir Donald Bradman is reported to have said that he would like to have Navaratne in his team.