England failed to respond to Sri Lanka's innings by getting bowled out for 193 on the second day of the opening Test in Galle.
The visitors have been hit with a 125-run deficit after a disappointing stint at the crease following Sri Lanka's comeback to reach 318 yesterday.
England's prolific batsman Alastair Cook got out for a duck, while Kevin Pietersen racked up just three runs before getting bowled out by Chanaka Welegedara.
Ian Bell managed to claim the most runs during the tourists' first innings with 52, while Stuart Broad started promisingly but was taken out by Rangana Herath, who claimed five wickets on day two.