Fernando was recalled after an 18-month absence and took the place for Madushka who could only make 24 runs in four innings against England in Sri Lanka’s 1-2 defeat in an away series. Hosts Sri Lanka also dropped Kasun Rajitha and Nisala Tharaka, bringing in wicketkeeper-batsman Sadeera Samarawickrama while Fernando returns having last played red-ball cricket against New Zealand in March 2023. His recent impressive performances for Sri Lanka A against South Africa A, where he scored 122 and 80 runs, facilitated his return to the team. Sri Lanka kept faith in youngsters like Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Milan Rathanayake. All eyes will be on Nissanka after being the first Sri Lankan opener in 13 years to hit a Test ton in England. Nissanka’s knock of 127 not out guided Sri Lanka to only thir fourth Test win in Engand in 40 year while Kamindu Mendis struck his third Test century in four matches in their 2nd Test against England. The two Test matches against New Zealand will be played in Galle with the first game beginning on Wednesday. The squads: Sri Lanka Squad: Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Oshada Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake. New Zealand Squad: Tim Southee (c), Tom Latham (vc), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway (wk), Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, William O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young