Uncapped duo Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige have been added to the 14-member squad, while Dinesh Chandimal has already been ruled out after suffering a neck injury during the first Test.
Sri Lanka have also left out opener Nishan Madushka, spin-bowling allrounder Ramesh Mendis and left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka.
Mishara earns his maiden Test call-up after an impressive run of form in white-ball cricket. He scored 411 runs in 10 matches during the Lanka Premier League and recently smashed 145 from 72 balls for Nondescripts Cricket Club. His red-ball form has also been encouraging, with a 174 against New Zealand A in April.
The left-handed opener is expected to partner Lahiru Udara at the top of the order. His inclusion could also provide Sri Lanka with a left-hand option after India’s left-arm spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar caused significant problems in the first Test.
Arachchige has also been rewarded for his recent performances. The batting allrounder scored 240 runs in the LPL and made an unbeaten 61 from 27 balls in the Major League T20. He has extensive first-class experience, having scored 4,365 runs at an average of 37.95 and taken 63 wickets with his offspin.
The 31-year-old also scored 127 for Sri Lanka A against India A in July and is now in contention to replace Chandimal in the middle order alongside Pasindu Sooriyabandara.
Sooriyabandara made his Test debut in Galle as a concussion substitute for Chandimal but was dismissed for a first-ball duck. However, his strong first-class record, including 4,893 runs at an average of 53.76, keeps him firmly in contention.
Sri Lanka are also dealing with further batting absences. Kusal Mendis remains unavailable after a hamstring injury, while Pathum Nissanka is recovering from wrist surgery.
On the bowling front, Keshara Nuwantha impressed on debut and is expected to retain his place alongside Prabath Jayasuriya. Sri Lanka could also consider including Milan Rathnayaka to strengthen the batting, potentially at the expense of Lahiru Kumara.
Sri Lanka Squad for the Second Test
Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis (vice-captain), Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.
