Tait, 21, bowled with raw pace for Australia A during the 2003-04 season in a first-class match against India and two limited overs games against Zimbabwe.
The South Australia right-armer took 33 first-class wickets for the season and in January became the first bowler to take eight wickets in an Australian domestic limited overs match.
"Shaun Tait is a quality young quick who has impressed with his raw pace over the summer," Australia chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said in a CA statement.
Lee was not selected for Australia's first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle this week because of an ankle problem and has been sent home for further treatment.
The 27-year-old New South Wales paceman had the Sri Lankans ducking and weaving to avoid his sheer speed during last year's World Cup. Captain Ricky Ponting had been counting on Lee as a key weapon in the current three-Test series.
SHOCK SELECTION
Hohns told Australian Broadcasting Corp Radio he had telephoned Tait to announce his selection, but the fast bowler did not believe Hohns at first. "He thought I was pulling his leg," Hohns said.
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"But I think that's a good thing. If you get hardened in your first game, it will hopefully set you up for the rest of your career."
Tait was chosen ahead of the more experienced trio Glenn McGrath, who has struggled to overcome an ankle problem, left-armer Nathan Bracken and Andy Bichel.
"We have selected him specifically as a like-replacement for Brett Lee who was the quickest bowler in our touring line-up," Hohns said in the CA statement.
"Obviously names such as Andy Bichel, Nathan Bracken and Glenn McGrath were discussed."
Australia fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz has hurt his shoulder during the first Test although he may return to the bowling crease in Sri Lanka's second innings.
