"De Villiers unfortunately has being struggling with a hamstring, he hasn't kept in any of the practise sessions and it is unlikely he will keep tomorrow (Wednesday)," Amla, who will make his debut as a test captain, told reporters.
De Kock, playing only his second test match, opens the innings with Amla in one-day internationals but his batting position in the test side had yet to be decided, Amla said.
Due to the 21-year-old De Kock's inclusion, South Africa will play just one frontline spinner, Imran Tahir, with JP Duminy set to be utilised as the second slow bowling option.
"I have never played here before but it looks like a good flat wicket. In the subcontinent when you win the toss you are going to bat first," Amla, who succeeded Graeme Smith as test captain, said.
The two-test series concludes with a second match in Colombo starting on July 24.
(Editing by John O'Brien)
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