There were no surprises either with the Sports Minister approving the squad, but striking down manager’s name.
A political feud that has now spilled over to the sporting arena has terminated the services of former skipper Hashan Tillekeratne as the manager of the national team, no more than a week after he was appointed to that post by Sri Lanka Cricket president Arjuna Ranatunga.

Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge had, last week, apparently expressed his displeasure over what he saw as an impending political confrontation between him and Tillekeratne, who is the opposition United National Party organiser for the Avissawella electorate, from where the Sports Minister hails.

It was widely expected, after Lokuge had wanted Tillekeratne to choose between cricket and politics and the former skipper didn't react, that the minister wouldn't approve of the left-handed batsman's name as team manager. Sri Lanka Cricket must now find an alternative at short notice, what with the first Test due to begin on Wednesday.

The team itself was along predictable lines. Ajantha Mendis is all set for Test debut, while Nuwan Kulasekara and Thilan Thushara will battle it out for the second seamer's slot. The selectors have chosen to keep their options open for the sixth batsman's slot, which is why they went for a 14-member squad instead of 12, as was originally intended.

The squad: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Kumar Sangakkara (vice-capt), Michael Vandort, Malinda Warnapura, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Prasanna Jayawardene, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilan Thushara, Ajantha Mendis, Chamara Kapugedera, Chamara Silva.