Openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne have both posted hundreds and compiled a double-century stand as Sri Lanka reached 1-291 against Bangladesh, dominating the first day of the second Test.
Captain Karunaratne scored 118 for his 12th Test century on Thursday, then Thirimanne hammered his third century and second this year.
He was 131 not out at stumps in tandem with Oshada Fernando, unbeaten on 40.
The Bangladesh bowlers had little chance against the in-form batsmen on another flat pitch, next to the block on which both sides scored more than 600 runs without being bowled out in the drawn first Test which finished on Sunday.
Karunaratne was watchful in the first hour, settling in before cutting loose once the ball got older. On 28, he was dropped at first slip and that proved to be costly.
Fresh from his career-best 244 last week, the skipper played some elegant strokes forcing the bowlers to go in defensive mode.
Against the spinners, there was clever use of the feet, rotating the strike, and putting the bad balls away.
For some reason, Bangladesh held back their most experienced bowler, Taijul Islam, until after lunch.
The left-arm spinner was introduced only in the 38th over but by then both batsmen were well set.
Together with offspinner Mehidy Hasan, Taijul shared the bulk of the bowling. The duo sent down 41 overs.
While the captain was free-flowing, Thirimanne was more sedate. In and out of the side since he made his Test debut in Southampton 10 years ago, Thirimanne is having a brilliant 2021 after some technical adjustments to his game and cutting down some risky strokes.
The discipline has paid rich dividends in the last two series and he's now on his second-highest score.
Karunaratne threw away his wicket flashing at a delivery which was too close to cut and he was caught behind after facing 190 deliveries and hitting 15 boundaries.
He became 19-year-old medium-pacer Shoriful Islam's maiden Test wicket.
In the last over before stumps, it looked as if Shoriful had a second as Thirimanne was given out leg before wicket but the decision was overturned after the batsman reviewed.
Fernando, after a disappointing first Test, was looking good as he and Thirimanne extended their partnership to 82 runs.
Australian Associated Press
