Dilhara Fernando could not recover from his knee injury and joined Lasith Malinga and Ferveez Maharroof on the sidelines.

In their absence, Thilan Thushara and Nuwan Kulasekera will share the new ball responsibility with old war horse Chaminda Vaas.

Mendis' inclusion would bolster the spin department where Muttiah Muralitharan is hoping to give the famed Indian batting order a good run for their money.

Mendis has already proved what he is capable of in the Asia Cup final where he wrecked India with a six-wicket haul and it would be interesting to see how he fares against the Big Four of the Indian team -- Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.

Chamara Silva also finds a place in the side and he looks in red hot form, something he underlines with half centuries in both the innings in the warm-up match against India.