All-rounder Angelo Mathews was named vice-captain, replacing veteran batsman Thilan Samaraweera, who assisted during Sri Lanka’s last Test match against England in March this year.
However, bowlers Suranga Lakmal, Dhammika Prasad, Shaminda Eranga and batsman Lahiru Thirimane were left out of the squad.
Mendis, is yet to earn a Test cap.
The first Test begins on Friday in Galle. The teams return to Colombo for the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club grounds on June 30. Pallekele in Kandy will host the third Test from July 8.
Squad: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Angelo Mathews (vice-captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Parnavithana, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal, Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), Chanaka Welagedara, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekara, Nu