Sri Lanka's "Master Balster", 41, has failed to perform but insisted he was available for selection

Their team-mate at the 1996 World Cup - in which Sri Lanka won the title- Muttiah Muralitharan is among the 15 men selected by the national selectors chaired by their former team-mate Aravinda de Silva.

Nishantha Ranathunga, the Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in a statement said Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has given his approval to the 15-man team.

Earlier there have been strong objections for the selection of veteran Sanath Jayasuriya, a government MP, for the 30-man preliminary team despite continuously failed to perform.

End of the career?

Jayasuriya, 41, earned the nickname ‘Master Blaster’ for his aggressive batting style, but failed to perform in recent international and domestic encounters.

	Analysts say it will mark the end of the international careers for both veterans

Opposition political parties have accused the government of hampering Sri Lanka’s chances of winning the world title for the second time by interfering with team selection.

Chaminda Vaas – widely regarded as the best fast bowler Sri Lanka has ever produced - meanwhile, has performed well in recent local and international tournaments, including while playing English county, Northamptonshire.

Analysts say it will mark the end of the international careers for both veterans.

Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh are the co-hosts of the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

The final squad:Kumar Sangakkara ( Captain ), Mahela Jayawardena ( V. Captain), Upul Tharanga, Thilakratne Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedara, Angelo Mathews, Tissara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Hearth