Sri Lanka reached 130/4 at lunch on Day 3 of the Test against India as Prasidh Krishna produced an important three-wicket spell to keep the hosts under pressure.
The Sri Lankan batters attempted to settle into the innings after the start of the day's play, but India's bowling attack continued to create problems.
Prasidh Krishna emerged as the standout bowler during the session. He finished the spell with three wickets for 35 runs, using disciplined lines and lengths to prevent the Sri Lankan batters from building momentum.
The pacer's ability to maintain pressure proved important as Sri Lanka struggled to put together a strong partnership.
At different stages, the hosts tried to consolidate and reduce the pressure created by the Indian bowlers. However, the loss of wickets prevented them from establishing complete control over the innings.
India's bowlers kept attacking the stumps and challenging the batters, forcing Sri Lanka to adopt a more cautious approach.
At 130/4, Sri Lanka still have an opportunity to rebuild their innings, but the responsibility now rests heavily on the remaining batters. A substantial partnership after lunch will be important if the hosts are to put themselves in a stronger position.
India, meanwhile, will be looking to take advantage of the situation by removing the remaining recognised batters as quickly as possible.
The next session could prove decisive. If Sri Lanka manage to build a long partnership, they can stabilise the innings and put pressure back on India. But another quick succession of wickets would give the visitors a significant advantage.
Prasidh Krishna's three wickets have given India an important opening. His performance has been particularly valuable because Sri Lanka had been looking to build momentum during the morning session.
India will now hope to continue the pressure after lunch and prevent Sri Lanka from establishing a substantial partnership.
For Sri Lanka, the immediate priority will be to protect the remaining wickets and add as many runs as possible before the Indian attack can strike again.
The score at lunch stands at 130/4 in Sri Lanka's favour, with Prasidh Krishna leading India's bowling effort with figures of 3/35.
