Sonal Dinusha produced a heroic batting performance, but his efforts were ultimately in vain as India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
India's victory gave them a 1-0 lead in the series, leaving Sri Lanka with everything to play for in the second and final Test.
India posted 462 in their first innings before Sri Lanka replied with 284, giving the visitors a 178-run advantage. India then added 193 in their second innings to set Sri Lanka a challenging target of 372.
Sri Lanka's chase ended at 206 during the second session of the final day, but the scoreline does not fully reflect the resistance shown by the home side, particularly through the remarkable efforts of Dinusha.
Dinusha the standout for Sri Lanka
Dinusha made the biggest impact for Sri Lanka in the series opener.
After producing a century in the first innings, the left-handed batter returned in the second innings with another determined knock, scoring 84 to keep Sri Lanka's hopes alive.
He batted with tremendous composure as wickets fell around him, repeatedly frustrating India's bowlers and refusing to surrender despite the mounting pressure of a demanding run chase.
His ability to occupy the crease and score runs against India's spin-heavy attack gave Sri Lanka a genuine chance of extending the contest deep into the final stages.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva also provided valuable support with a fighting 59, but Sri Lanka ultimately lacked the batting depth required to complete what would have been a remarkable chase.
Suthar finishes the job
India's left-arm spinner Manav Suthar proved decisive when it mattered most.
Suthar claimed 6 for 55, dismantling Sri Lanka's lower order and ensuring that Dinusha's resistance could not turn into a dramatic Sri Lankan escape.
Once Dinusha was dismissed for 84, Sri Lanka's hopes of reaching the target faded rapidly. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 206, handing India a 165-run victory.
For India, the win was a strong start to the series, but Sri Lanka can take encouragement from the performances of Dinusha and several of their bowlers.
India take control of the series
India's first-innings total of 462 was built around a magnificent 167 from Devdutt Padikkal, while KL Rahul also made a valuable 82. Sri Lanka's spinners fought back strongly, with Prabath Jayasuriya and debutant Keshara Nuwantha playing important roles in restricting India's advantage.
But India maintained control of the match and eventually set Sri Lanka the sizeable fourth-innings target of 372.
The visitors' ability to take 20 wickets proved the difference, with Suthar's six-wicket haul providing the decisive finishing touch.
Colombo now awaits
With India leading 1-0, attention now turns to the second and final Test, which will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
Sri Lanka will need to win the Colombo Test to level the series, while India will be looking to complete a series victory.
