Mahela Jayawardene [ Images ] will lead Sri Lanka [ Images ] in the inaugural Twenty20 [ Images ] World Cup, in South Africa [ Images ], next month.

There were no surprises in the 15-man squad, with prolific off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan [ Images ] confirmed to play after earlier reports suggested that he may be rested from the 12-nation tournament.

Left-handed opener Jehan Mubarak takes over from former captain Marvan Atapattu [ Images ], who earlier this week was released, as per his request, by Sri Lanka Cricket from his contract with the national team.

Sri Lanka, finalists at the 50-overs-a-side World Cup earlier this year, are drawn with New Zealand [ Images ] and Kenya in Group C of the preliminary league. The top two teams advance to the Super Eights round.

The tournament, from September 11-24, features the nine nations currently playing Test cricket along with Zimbabwe, Kenya and Scotland.

The squad: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Sanath Jayasuriya [ Images ], Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara [ Images ], Tillekeratne Dilshan [ Images ], Chamara Silva, Chaminda Vaas [ Images ], Farveez Maharoof, Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga [ Images ], Dilhara Fernando, Hasantha Fernando, Gayan Wijekoon, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Jehan Mubarak.