This decision by the national selectors veers away from their thinking during the unofficial Test series where a different captain was appointed for each of the three Tests.
Since losing the lung-opener of the tour, a limited-overs game at Police Park against a Board President's XI, England 'A' have gained the upperhand in all the first-class matches played so far, beating Sri Lanka 'A' 2-0 (1 drawn) in the 3-match unofficial Test series, and winning and drawing two others.
Kalpage has been given a team which is bound to raise the standard of fielding, an area which caused some concern during the 'Test' series. Upul Chandana, Mahela Jayawardene, Hemantha Wickremaratne, Russel Arnold and Kalpage himself are some of the swiftest movers and catchers on the field with good throwing arms.
Following his spotless display behind the wickets in the Matara 'Test', Pubudu Dasanayake has been given a further opportunity to press forward his claims for a place in the team to South Africa next month where Sri Lanka intend taking two glovemen.
The side is not lacking in one-day international experience, with the top eight in the batting order all having played at least one match.
Sri Lanka 'A' team coach Roy Dias expects a tough contest, considering the fact that England 'A' have five players who were members of England's champion winning side in Sharjah last December - skipper Nick Knight, Mark Ealham, Douggie Brown, Ben Hollioake and Ashley Giles.
Following a period of transition, English cricket is suddenly waking up to see success smiling on its face. The winter has proved to be quite a fortuitous one for them. Following the success of the senior team in Sharjah, the under 19 side went on to win the junior World Cup in South Africa. Their 'A' team have just completed a 2-0 'Test' victory over Sri Lanka 'A', and the senior side is on the verge of securing a historic win over West Indies in the third Test played at Port-of-Spain.
The teams:
SRI LANKA 'A' (in batting order): Avishka Gunawardana, Chandika Hathurusingha, Russel Arnold, Mahela Jayawardene, Hemantha Wickremaratne, Ruwan Kalpage (captain), Upul Chandana, Pubudu Dasanayake, Niroshan Bandaratilake, Hemantha Boteju, Suresh Perera, Rese rves - Indika Gallage, Pradeep Hewage, Tilan Samaraweera, Ruchira Palliyaguru.
ENGLAND 'A'(from): Nick Knight (captain), Steve James, Ben Hollioake, Mark Ealham, David Sales, David Nash, Douggie Brown, Ashley Giles, Dean Cosker, Paul Hutchison, Owais Shah, Darren Maddy, James Ormond, Chris Read, Jonathan Powell.