Fast bowlers Dammika Prasad and Thilan Thushara were dropped after both failed to take a wicket in the drawn first test, while seamer Nuwan Kulasekara was recalled after a year-long absence.
Right-arm fast bowler Shaminda Eranga, 24, could make his test debut after being included in the 16-member squad.
Kulasekara played the last of his 11 tests against India in December 2009.
Chairman of selectors Aravinda de Silva said Sri Lanka are trying to find the right combination of fast bowlers to share the new ball in test matches as their main spearhead Malinga was unavailable.
The second test begins on Tuesday.
