JOIN USOpener Tharanga Paranavitana was unbeaten on 58, passing 1,000 Test runs in the process, while Tillakaratne Dilshan scored 50 in his first innings as captain before playing on to off-spinner Graeme Swann.
Kumar Sangakkara was then controversially given out caught behind off James Anderson for 11 on a third umpire review.
The start was delayed by rain for more than four hours and play did not commence until 2.30 GMT, allowing only 48 overs in the day.
Dilshan put on 93 with left-handed opening partner Paranavitana on a placid surface after negotiating an awkward 16 overs against the swinging ball to reach 35 at tea.
Paranavitana, who scored centuries in both of Sri Lanka’s warm-up matches, registered his 1,000th Test run with a single.
Scoreboard
SRI LANKA (I Innings):
Paranavitana (not out) 58
Dilshan b Swann 50
S’gakkara c Prior b Anderson 11
Jayawardene (not out) 4
Extras (B-5, LB-5) 10
Total (for 2 wkts, 48 overs) 133
Fall of wickets: 1-93, 2-114.
Bowling: Anderson 15-2-42-1, Broad 13-1-45-0, Tremlett 12-5-24-0, Swann 8-2-12-1.