Jayawardene (right) chats to coach Tom Moody during practice

They were thrashed 6-1 when they toured there in November 2005 but Jayawardene expects a more even contest this time.

"We've got to beat India in India. It's been long overdue," he said.

"Last time the result was a big disappointment for all of us. But things have changed, personnel have changed and the confidence is back."

The four-match series starts in Calcutta (Kolkata) next Thursday and is the last chance for both sides to assess fringe candidates for World Cup selection.

Sri Lanka have left star bowlers Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas at home to ensure they are fully rested before they head for the Caribbean, where they will meet India again in the first round group stage.

Leg-spinners Upul Chandana and Malinga Bandara are probably vying for one place in the World Cup squad, while left-arm seamer Nuwan Zoysa has been given another chance.

They drew 2-2 in their most recent series in New Zealand, having achieved a notable 5-0 whitewash in England last summer.

"One area this team has done really well in the recent past is to compete away from home," Jayawardene commented.

"Although we are not taking our full side [to India], we believe this team can win matches for us. I am confident the players we are taking will be able to do the job for us."

Looking ahead to the World Cup, he added: "There are one or two places we need to confirm. I would say we've got an idea of about 90% of people we want to take to the West Indies.

"We'll have to take into account things like form, experience, players who can handle pressure, players who can fit into combinations that we want and who can contribute to the team."