England failed to produce a sensational comeback in Galle and have lost the first Test of the series to Sri Lanka by 75 runs on 264.
The visitors had a huge task of claiming a run-chase of 229 after finishing day three on 111-2 with Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen at the crease at start of the session.
Despite a steady partnership in the second innings, Pietersen fell at 30 runs in the morning session of day four courtesy of a catch by Prasanna Jayawardene.
Trott was close to becoming the hero for the world's best Test side after surpassing a century at the crease, but hopes of claiming an impressive comeback were dashed when the South African-born cricketer was caught out on 112 with Sri Lanka needing three wickets to win.
Graeme Swann could only claim one run before stumbling, while Monty Panesar was caught for a duck, which clinched victory for the home side.
