Murali Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane brought up half centuries in a 140-run second-wicket partnership to place India in a dominant position in the second test with a 266-run lead over Sri Lanka at lunch Sunday.
Resuming the fourth day on 70-1, the pair shared 73 more runs before Sri Lanka offspinner Tharindu Kaushal trapped Vijay lbw for 82.
They came together Saturday when India lost first innings centurion Lokesh Rahul, bowled by seamer Dhammika Prasad with the total at just 3.
Vijay faced 133 deliveries and hit two sixes and four boundaries.
Kaushal (2-59) struck again with 28 more runs added to the Indian total when he dismissed captain Virat Kohli lbw for 10.
Rahane was unbeaten on 82 with Rohit Sharma on 2 as India went to the break at 179-3.
Rahane faced 170 deliveries for his runs and hit seven boundaries.
Earlier Saturday Indian leg spin bowler Amit Mishra picked up four wickets to help India end Sri Lanka's first innings at 306 runs, trailing India by 87 runs.
Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews scored his sixth test century and was out for 102. Lahiru Thirimanne made 62 and Kaushal Silva had 51.
However, despite a 127-run fourth wicket stand between Mathews and Thirimanne, Sri Lanka's middle and low order soon crumbled losing their last seven wickets for 65 runs.
India made 393 in its first innings.
Sri Lanka leads the three-match series after a stunning 63-run win in the first test played in Galle.
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