Cricket Australia said Gillespie will work with Justin Langer, who was confirmed as coach for the series earlier this month.
They will step in for head coach Darren Lehmann and his assistant David Saker, who will be with the Test squad for the tour of India over the same period.
Apart from his work with the Adelaide Strikers in the T20 Big Bash League, Gillespie spent five successful years as head coach of English county Yorkshire.
"I'm just buzzing to get this role. It really is an exciting opportunity and I'm humbled to be thought of by Cricket Australia in this regard," Gillespie said.
Gillespie took 259 wickets in 71 Tests as well as 142 wickets in 97 ODIs.
The T20s between Australia and Sri Lanka will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on February 17, Geelong on February 19 and the Adelaide Oval on February 22.