While no reason has been cited for Wellalage’s omission, it is likely that his spin bowling attributes would have been less useful in the more favorable conditions for New Zealand seams. Wellalage is currently participating in the Lanka T10 tournament for Jaffna Titans.
Wickramasinghe will complement a varied seaming attack of Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Untilhara, Asitha Fernando and Binura Fernando. Spinners Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay complete the team.
The first two T20Is will take place at Mount Maunganui on December 28 and 30, before the action moves to Nelson for the final match on January 2.
Sri Lanka squad for T20I series in New Zealand
Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Untilhara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando
