Ireland toiled for little reward in the field a day after their record-breaking batting feats as Sri Lanka charged to 357 for one in Galle to trail the tourists by just 135.
Paul Stirling and Curtis Campher joined Ireland's growing list of Test centurions as the tourists posted their new record total of 492 on day two against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie fell five short of a maiden century as his side racked up an impressive score of 319 for four on the first day of their second Test in Sri Lanka.
Ireland face a battle to avoid defeat in their first-ever Test against Sri Lanka, who tightened their stranglehold on the second day of the series opener in Galle.
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.
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in Friday's third one-day international, ending the visitors' hopes of qualifying directly for the World Cup this year.