Sri Lanka pile on the runs on opening day of first ever Test against Ireland

Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis both scored centuries as Sri Lanka dominated the opening day against Ireland in the first-ever Test between the nations.

Captain Karunaratne won the toss and elected to bat first at Galle International Stadium, and the hosts piled on the runs to close on 386 for four.

Ireland, playing in just their fifth Test since being admitted to the top tier of the game, made an encouraging breakthrough in the first hour when Curtis Campher had Nishan Madushka caught behind for 29.

But the visitors were made to toil in the field for more than two sessions as Karunaratne completed his 15th Test century, with Mendis also reaching three figures, as the pair put on 281 runs for the second wicket - the highest-ever Test partnership at Galle.

Ireland were left staring at the distinct possibility of claiming just a single wicket on the first day before George Dockrell trapped Mendis lbw for 140 in the 73rd over.

Two overs later, Angelo Mathews fell for a third-ball duck after he took a wild swipe at Ben White's delivery.

Karunaratne™s fine innings then came to an end when he was caught behind for 179 off a delivery from Mark Adair with only a handful of overs remaining.

Dinesh Chandimal (18 not out) and Prabath Jayasuriya (12no) steadied the ship for the home side, and despite the late wickets, Sri Lanka will start the second day firmly in the driving seat in the first of a two-Test series.