Samaraweera Dropped for Pakistan Tests

What is it with the Sri Lankan selectors?  Samaraweera has an average of over 50 in tests and they just drop him after a couple of sub-par outings?  He has performed extremely well in tests recently.  He also was the highest run getter in the last Pakistan series, scoring two double centuries.

He is also the 2nd highest ranked Sri Lankan batsmen in tests at number 15.  Only Sangakkara is ranked higher.  Dilshan is ranked at 29.  I think Pakistan would be very happy to hear that Samaraweera has been dropped.  It looks more like Samaraweera was sacrificed due to the poor performance of Dilshan as an opener.  I guess the captain would get special treatment when competing for the middle-order batsman position.  Also, if they have so many wicketkeeper/batsmen options, why didn't they drop Prasanna Jayawardene after his performance during the first two tests?

Duleep Mendis's explanation sounds cruel at best - "Thilan will not come into the reckoning in our long term plans. We intend giving youngsters an opportunity while the seniors are around. He might be considered on a short-term basis."  The selectors are too short term focused.  I wouldn't be surprised to see him back in the squad after the Pakistan tour.  Who knows, they might ask him to fly in for the 3rd test...

Additionally, after Dilshan cited the lack bowling experience as a reason for the poor performance by Sri Lanka during the Australia series, it is interesting to see the selection of bowlers.  Why not give Dilhara a chance?  Is Kulasekara injured?  As far as I know, pitches in the UAE suit spinners more than fast bowers.  So it is baffling to see them pick 6 quicks and only 2 spinners.

Samaraweera dropped for Pakistan Tests @ ESPN CricInfo
Thilan Samaraweera player profile @ ESPN CricInfo