South Africa have been badly handicapped by injuries to their captain Graeme Smith (ankle) and all rounder Jacques Kallis (elbow) who both miss the tour,
Kallis's fellow all rounder Shaun Pollock joins the team on Thursday, but too late for the opening Test after staying home for the birth of his second child.
Sri Lanka, full of confidence after 1-1 Test series draw and 5-0 whitewash in the ODI series against England, have promised a tough approach.
"We will be looking to build on the momentum we built up in England where the team played some competitive cricket," captain Mahela Jayawardene told Reuters on Tuesday.
"We are confident and eager to stamp our authority on the series against an opposition we respect but do not fear," he added.
Sanath Jayasuriya, now 37, is earmarked for a return to the Sri Lankan top order following his decision to abandon retirement plans midway through the England tour.
Jayasuriya, a left-arm spinner, could also play a crucial role with the ball if Sri Lanka, as appears increasingly likely, opt for seven batsmen and four frontline bowlers.
Spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan would then be the solo specialist spinner backed up by the pace bowling of Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga and Dilhara Fernando.
For South Africa, all rounder Andrew Hall, who missed a three-day warm-up game over the weekend, is expected to feature alongside new ball bowlers Makhaya Ntini and Andre Nel.
Nicky Boje will be the sole spinner and AB de Villiers, a part-time medium pacer, has been earmarked for an unusual role as a support bowler.
Squads:
Sri Lanka:
Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Kapugedera, Michael Vandort, Farveez Maharoof, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Malinga Bandara, Prasanna Jayawardene.
South Africa:
Ashwell Prince (capt), Andrew Hall, Hashim Amla, Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Jacques Rudolph, Dale Steyn, Thandi Tshabalala.
