Sri Lanka reached 265-8 by the close of play on Day 3 of the second Test in Colombo, successfully resisting India's push for a quick victory.
Sonal Dinusha and Pasindu Sooriyabandara anchored the resistance, frustrating Indian bowlers who struggled to clean up the tail despite early breakthroughs.
Rain forced early stumps, leaving India to resume their pursuit of the final two wickets on Day 4 to enforce a result in the series-deciding match.