First of Two Tests begins in Galle on Friday:

Kithuruwan Vithanage in line for Test cap?

23 players agree to sign original contracts :

Elmo Rodrigopulle

Kithruwan Vithanage who made an explosive 168 not out for the Emerging team against Bangladesh in the warm-up game in Matara, has been rewarded by being included in the 16-man squad from which the final eleven to play the visitors in the First of Two Tests will be picked.

In the absence of that batting great Mahela Jayawardene, Vithanage has a good chance of making it to the playing eleven in the First Test beginning on Friday at the Galle International Stadium.

The aggressive, stylish left hander who learnt his early cricketing lessons at Royal College, plays for the Tamil Union and has made big runs in the domestic tournaments and deserves his inclusion.

He underlined his good form by blasting the Bangladeshi bowlers and showing that he is ready to make his presence felt in international cricket. He is quick of eye, with good footwork and is a player of the future.

Leg spin, googly bowler who can also wield the willow Jeevan Mendis is also in the 16 and if captain Angelo Mathews is looking for variety in spin bowling should find himself playing. The selectors have given new skipper Mathews the best payers available to pick his final eleven from. Apparently Mathews will have a look atthe wicket and the conditions before penciling his playing eleven. The good news was that the 23 contracted players had agreed to sign their contracts, after which the selectors picked the squad. The players agreeing to finally sign their contracts was made possible by the discussions Chairman of Selectors Sanath Jayasuriya had with Captain Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal who represented the players.

The 16- member Sri Lanka squad from which the final eleven will be picked: Angelo Mathews (c), Dinesh Chandimal (VC), TIllekeratne Dilshan, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kumar Sangakkara, Lahiru Thirimanne, Shamindra Eranga, Kushal Janith, Jeevan Mendis, Kithruwan Vithanage, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulesekera, Chanaka Welegedera, Suranga Lakmal, Rangana Herath and Kushal Janith.

Not considered because of injury - Dushantha Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep. Veteran Thilan samaraweera who was recalled to the pool when Mahela Jayawardene was injured, has surprisingly been left out of the 16.