COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP):

SRI LANKA have dropped iconic stars Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan from their squad for the three-match limited-overs series in the West Indies next month, the sport's governing body said yesterday.

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga also does not feature in a new-look 15-member squad.

Jayasuriya, a 38-year-old veteran of 411 limited-overs matches, scored just 103 runs in seven matches in the recent tri-nations series in Australia. Jayasuriya retired from Test cricket in December to concentrate on his limited-overs game.

Sri Lanka's poor showing in the Australian tournament saw them finish last, behind champions India and the hosts.

Ace off-spinner Muralitharan was expensive in the series, despite taking 11 wickets in eight matches.

Uncapped left-handed batsman Mahela Udawatte is likely to open the batting with Upul Tharanga.

The selectors have also called in talented 22-year-old spinner Ajantha Mendis from Sri Lanka Army, who has impressed with 37 wickets in 19 domestic matches.

All-rounder Kaushalya Weeraratne has earned a spot in the national squad after nearly five years.

The three-match limited series begins in Trinidad on April 10.

The squad: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Mahela Udawatte, Jehan Mubarak, Chamara Kapuge-dera, Chaminda Vaas, Kaushalya Weeraratne, Malinga Bandara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ishara Amera-singhe, Ajantha Mendis and Thilan Thushara.