England captain Joe Root was named man of the match for his magnificent 124 that helped England to a total of 346 in their second innings.
Sri Lanka were ruing their luck as only 17 minutes of play was possible after tea, but during that brief period, they let England back into the game.
Angelo Mathews struck up a gritty 88 to help the hosts reduce the deficit, however, the momentum is now with England as they close in on to win the 2nd Test and the series.
Joe Root's chanceless knock came as a big relief for England as he had accumulated only 52 runs in three innings in the series.
Akila Dananjaya grabbed six wickets but Root's century and Foakes's unbeaten fifty made sure England end Day 3 with a lead of 278.
Sri Lanka was all out for 336 in reply to England's 285, boosted to 290 with the penalty runs at Pallekele International Stadium.
Sri Lanka was all out for 336 in reply to England's 285, boosted to 290 with the penalty runs at Pallekele International Stadium.
The day belonged to Sam Curran, who helped England reach a competitive total with the spinners getting plenty of purchase on a dry surface.
Live Cricket Score, Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd Test, Day 1 at Pallekele: Follow all the updates from day one of the second Test between England and Sri Lanka at IndiaTV Sports.
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