Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha mounted a strong fightback for Sri Lanka as the hosts closed Day 3 of the second Test against India on 265/8.
Making his Test debut, Sooriyabandara marked the occasion with a composed 80, including his maiden Test half-century.
At the other end, Sonal Dinusha continued his impressive form, remaining unbeaten on 85 at stumps.
India’s Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar claimed three wickets each as Sri Lanka lost eight wickets during the day.
India had earlier posted a formidable 503 in their first innings, leaving Sri Lanka 238 runs behind with two wickets remaining.
Dinusha was unbeaten alongside Lahiru Kumara at the close of play.