It is reliably understood that these two bowlers have been selected with a view to giving them exposure in South Africa. They are expected to play in the three side games leading up to the Test series.
It is learnt the Sri Lanka Cricket Board will have to pay the costs for these two cricketers during their stay in South Africa as they will be additional members to the 16-member squad picked on Monday. The green light from the Board's executive committee is being sought to send the players.
The national selectors decided to play safe by opting for experience rather than experiment with new blood.
As a result, two out-of-form players Hashan Tillekeratne and Pramodya Wickremasinghe were picked in the final tour party.
Tillekeratne's place was ensured when the composition of the team was decided on one wicket-keeper. However, he is not expected to keep wickets. If any injury befalls Romesh Kaluwitharana, another wicket-keeper (probably Pubudu Dasanayake) will be flown to South Africa.
All this leads to the poser of : Has cricket today become a game of economics rather than merit ?
As Boteju and Gallage are additions to the original squad it is questionable whether they too will enjoy the same financial rewards as the others.
With the exception of Russel Arnold, Mahela Jayawardene and Upul Chandana, all three of whom have represented their country internationally, none of the other players who represented Sri Lanka 'A' against England 'A' made it to the final 16.
Since no new talent has surfaced, it all goes to prove that the England 'A' tour here was almost a wasted exercise.
If this is the yardstick used for selection, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board must seriously consider whether it is worth the trouble inviting a South African 'A' side here later this year.