While no reason has been cited for Wellalage's omission, it is likely that his spin-bowling attributes would have been less useful in New Zealand's more seam-friendly conditions. Wellalage is currently taking part in the Lanka T10 tournament for Jaffna Titans.

Wickramasinghe will supplement a varied seam attack consisting of Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando and Binura Fernando. Spinners Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay round out the squad.

The first two T20Is will take place in 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 (capt), 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 Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando