Sri Lanka, who won the first test by an innings and six runs in Galle on Saturday, gave a debut to 20-year-old batsman Kusal Mendis in place of Lahiru Thirimanne and opted for all-rounder Dilruwan Perera over Tharindu Kaushal.
"Wicket is quite slow. Looks dry. There will be a bit of turn," Mathews said at the toss.
West Indies handed a debut to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican with fast bowler Shannon Gabriel dropping out.
The tourists were boosted by seamer Jerome Taylor coming through a fitness test on Thursday morning after fears about a groin problem.
Sri Lanka: Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews (captain), Milinda Siriwardana, Kusal Perera, Dhammika Prasad, Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Pradeep.
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Jermaine Blackwood, Denesh Ramdin, Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jerome Taylor, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican.
(Writing by Patrick Johnston in Singapore; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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