First-choice Dilhara Fernando with a back injury and Prabath Nissanka with an ailing knee are still recovering so left-armer Chaminda Vaas will lead the attack that could include Dinusha Fernando, the recalled Nuwan Zoysa or newboy Nuwan Kulasekera.
But Sri Lanka are most likely to play three specialist slow bowlers - off-spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Dharmasena as well as leg-spinner Upul Chandana.
Marvan Atapattu, Sri Lanka's one-day skipper, said on Tuesday: "The make-up of the final team will depend on conditions, which may suit the pace bowlers more than you would expect in Sri Lanka."
In all, there are five changes to the squad that won 2-1 against the West Indies in the Caribbean in June, Sri Lanka's last ODI series.
Wicketkeeper Lanka de Silva has been called up as cover for Romesh Kaluwitharana, who is recovering from a hamstring injury and is expected to be fit.
Middle order batsmen Russel Arnold and Chamara Silva will be competing for one final batting place, with Arnold tipped to claim back the spot he lost after a low-scoring World Cup.
England arrive in Sri Lanka on November 13 for a six-week tour that will include three one-dayers and three Tests. The first one-dayer is on November 18.
Full squad:
Marvan Atapattu (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Russel Arnold, T.M. Dilshan, Upul Chandana, Kumar Dharmasena, Nuwan Zoysa, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chamara Silva, Nuwan Kulasekera, Chaminda Vaas, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Lanka de Silva, Dinusha Fernando.
