Batsmen Lahiru Thirimanne and Sadeera Samarawickrama have been recalled by Sri Lanka after a year out of the side for next month’s two-test series in New Zealand.

Top-order batsman Thirimanne played the last of his 29 tests away to India in November 2017, the same series in which wicketkeeper-batsman Samarawickrama earned a fourth cap since making his debut earlier in the year.

Fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep, who has played 28 tests, also returns to the squad, having spent more than a year on the sidelines due to injuries.

Dinesh Chandimal is back to lead the side after missing the last two tests of the recent 3-0 home series loss against England with a groin strain.

Batsman Kaushal Silva was dropped for his poor displays against England, while off-spinner Akila Dananjaya has been kept out of the 17-man squad as he awaits the result of tests after being reported for a suspect bowling action.

The first test starts at Wellington on Dec. 15, followed by the second at Christchurch on Dec. 26.