Nissanka has been out since having surgery on his wrist in June and will be a huge fillip for the visitors in the batting order as they look to win the two-match series.
The 22-year-old Bandara is included in the squad and is in line to gain his first international cap after wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella was dropped following an underwhelming home series against India.
Bandara has a good record with the bat in first-class cricket, having scored seven centuries in 31 matches at an average of more than 65.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who made his debut earlier this year against India, retains his place, as Sri Lanka start a new era under the Test captaincy of Kusal Mendis.
The first Test of the series against Pakistan will take place in Rawalpindi from 9 November.
Sri Lanka Test squad: Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis (captain), Dhananjaya De Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga
Kusal Mendis has been confirmed as the new Test captain of Sri Lanka after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down from the position to leave leadership duties "to the next generation".
Tom Banton marked his return to England's one-day side in style, smashing his maiden international century as England thrashed Sri Lanka by 223 runs at The Oval.
Kusal Mendis produced a superb century as Sri Lanka bounced back from their opening ODI defeat to beat England by 16 runs at Headingley and level the three-match series at 1-1.
England continued their dominance over Sri Lanka with a comfortable 89-run victory in the first ODI at Chester-le-Street as spinner Will Jacks picked up his maiden five-wicket haul.
