Sri Lanka were reduced to 216-7 at tea on day three of the second Test against India in Colombo on Tuesday, needing a further 88 runs to avoid the follow-on.
India posted 503-9 declared in their first innings after centuries by Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel.
Only two wickets fell during a relatively stable morning session, but the hosts lost their way after play resumed following a rain delay.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who looked assured against both pace and spin, dragged a Ravindra Jadeja delivery onto his stumps for 80.
Niroshan Dickwella followed soon afterwards for a third-ball duck, caught down the leg side off Mohammed Siraj to leave Sri Lanka in deeper trouble.
Sonal Dinusha, who posted a maiden Test hundred in the first Test in Galle, was unbeaten on 59 at the break, but had little support as wickets fell regularly at the other end.
India lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the Galle Test by 165 runs.
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