Sri Lanka's cricketers arrived in New Zealand on Friday to prepare for their re-scheduled Test series.
The two matches were due to be played in January but were postponed following the Asian tsunami.
The Sri Lankans will play a three-day tour match against the Major Associations XI at Christchurch starting on Saturday. The first Test starts at Napier on April 4 with the second beginning in Wellington a week later.
The tourists are without injured spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and left-arm paceman Nuwan Zoysa but captain Marvan Atapattu said it is important for Sri Lankans that the series went ahead after the devastation caused by the tsunami in December.
"It's taking some time to return to normal," Atapattu told reporters on Friday.
"Most people have been asking when we are going to start cricket. They are pretty keen to watch us again. It's more than a game for Sri Lankans."
Sri Lanka coach John Dyson issued a word of caution about writing off New Zealand's prospects after they lost the first Test against Australia and were saved by rain in the second.
Dyson said Australia are in a class of their own and New Zealand's performance is not a reflection of their ability.
"I don't read too much into the New Zealand team's performance. The Australians are an awesome side...they just demolish everybody," Dyson said.
"I think New Zealand have some very good players, up-and-coming players. Our main concern is to worry about our own game and adapt to the local conditions as quickly as possible."
