Sri Lanka were 3-43 in their first innings at stumps in reply to New Zealand’s 412 on the second day of the second and final Test at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on Monday.
Angelo Mathews was unbeaten on 20 with Tharanga Paranavitana nine not out.
Skipper Ross Taylor (142), Kane Williamson (135) and Daniel Flynn (53) were the main scorers for New Zealand, while left-arm spinner Rangana Herath grabbed six wickets for Sri Lanka.
The hosts lead the series 1-0 following their 10-wicket victory in the opening Test in Galle.