Seamer Suranga Lakmal also joins the side after an injury layoff in place of Shaminda Eranga.

The SLC issuing a statement announced the 16 member squad for the two matches.

Middle-order batsman Ashan Priyanjan has replaced Thilina Kandamby in the side, who collected a duck on Wednesday.

Sandakan, has had an excellent first-class season with Colombo Cricket Club, topping the wicket-takers’ list with 54 scalps at an average of 19.14.

His relative inexperience in the top domestic competitions has seen him overlooked for all but one Sri Lanka A match, but he has regularly been a net bowler at the national side’s training sessions.

Sandakan’s inclusion means Sri Lanka have four frontline spin bowlers in their 16-member squad, as well as legspinning all-rounder Jeevan Mendis, and several part-time slow bowlers.

Lakmal had been unavailable for selection since July, when he sustained a stress reaction in his left foot during the Tests against South Africa.

His return is expected to provide control to Sri Lanka’s seam attack, which struggled in India in the absence of Lasith Malinga, and because of Nuwan Kulasekara’s dip in form.

Lakmal effectively replaces Eranga, who had also had mediocre outings in India, though he has not played against England.

Sri Lanka leads the 7 match series 2-1.

The fourth ODI is set to take place on Sunday in Colombo.

Although the fifth is scheduled to be played in Pallekele on 10th December, persistent bad weather in the Kandy region may prompt a change of venue.