Summary Chandimal top-scored with a gritty 132 before being caught behind off Mitchell Starc.
COLOMBO (AFP) - Defiant centuries from Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva helped Sri Lanka post a challenging 355 all out against Australia on the second day of the third and final Test in Colombo on Sunday.
Chandimals overnight partner Dhananjaya de Silva advanced from 116 to 129 before falling in the first hour, but not before the pair had rescued the innings with a 211-run partnership.
Their sixth-wicket stand lifted Sri Lanka from a precarious 26 for five to a position of strength at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground, as the hosts look to complete a 3-0 series whitewash.
Chandimal top-scored with a gritty 132 before being caught behind off Mitchell Starc, who took five wickets, as the Sri Lankan innings folded in the afternoon session.
Chandimal, who recorded his seventh Test ton, put together another crucial 73-run partnership with Rangana Herath, who made a brave 33 before being retired hurt.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka (first innings) 355 in 141.1 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 132, Dhananjaya de Silva 129; Mitchell Starc 5-63, Nathan Lyon 3-110)
