India reached 288/2 at stumps on day one of the first Test in Galle, led by Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 131.
Padikkal and KL Rahul, who scored 77 before retiring hurt, anchored the innings after Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32.
Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claimed the only wicket of the day, dismissing captain Shubman Gill for 16 runs.