Atapattu hit 127 in the first Test in NZ, but 0 as SL lost the second

The 14-man Windies squad, without stars like Brian Lara and Chris Gayle because of a sponsorship row, has six players with no Test experience.

"We had the same experience in our tour of Zimbabwe," Atapattu said of a trip that saw Sri Lanka win both Tests.

"We came good and I am sure we will do again." West Indies play two Tests in Sri Lanka beginning on 13 July.

There is also a triangular series, also involving India, which follows the Test series.

Atapattu was in prolific form against an under-strength Zimbabwe side in 2004, when the Sri Lankans won both matches by an innings.

We never expect anybody to have a cakewalk West Indies manager Anthony Howard

He hit 170 in the first Test and smashed 249 in the second, a match in which Kumar Sangakkara made 270.

West Indies manager Anthony Howard insisted that the series would not be foregone conclusion.

"We never expect anybody to have a cakewalk. Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties ... it just depends who plays best on the day," Howard observed.

"We have some young and exciting players, we expect them to do well. I know they are capable of doing the job."