Sri Lanka's left-handed opener Sanath Jayasuriya may be 39, but remains a bowler's nightmare with his ability to change the course of a match with devastating strokeplay.
India will not easily forget their last encounter with the Sri Lankan, who hammered a quickfire century under pressure to set up his team's victory in the Asia Cup final in Karachi last month.
India's Virender Sehwag is an opener in form, having already hurt Sri Lanka with an unbeaten double-century in his team's victory in the second Test of a recent three-match series.
Although India lost the series 2-1, Sehwag was one of the few batsmen to salvage batting pride as he emerged his team's top scorer with 344 runs.
"Jayasuriya in form is always a great thing because he can contribute with both bat and ball," Jayawardene told reporters on Sunday.
"The start he gives makes a huge difference. If he stays for 10 or 15 overs, you are guaranteed a good start.
He is a bit like Sehwag for India.
That gives a diff