'Murali' did not take long to get into the swing of things when introduced in the 18th over and he had Rajin Saleh trapped in front with just his fifth delivery before dismissing Al Hasan, top scorer with 16, in similar fashion to leave the leave the tourists in trouble at 61 for six.

He then claimed his 58th five-wicket haul in Test cricket with three quick dismissals after the lunch interval to finish with figures of 5-15 off 7.3 overs.

Dilhara Fernando claimed three wickets, while Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga chipped in with a wicket apiece as Bangladesh were all out in 32.3 overs.

Bangladesh were given some hope at the start of the Sri Lankan reply, with debutant Malinda Warnapura out lbw to the first ball of the innings and Kumar Sangakkara edging behind to reduce the hosts to 14-2.

However, a partnership of 173 between Michael Vandoort (87 not out) and Mahela Jayawardene (retired hurt on 93) put the home side in control.

Chamara Silva did not last long but Tillakatne Dilshan crashed a quick-fire 27 to steer the side to 227-3 at the close - a lead of 138.

Punters appear to believe that this contest is all over bar the shouting with Sri Lanka overwhelming 1.04 favourites to complete the formalities.

Those expecting some sort of miracle for the tourists can still get 60, while a draw is available at 21.

It has not been the best of starts for Mohammad Ashraful to his reign as captain and he will certainly expect an improved showing throughout the rest of the three-match series, although series-winner market has yet to develop.

Bangladesh's best chance for glory is likely to come when the three-match one-day international series gets underway on July 20, a market for which will open up nearer the time.

Upul Tharanga is missing through injury and has been replaced in the side by Michael Vandort for the clash in Colombo - which begins on Monday.

Tharanga suffered a hairline fracture in his foot during a net session, after being struck by a delivery from paceman Lasith Malinga.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene admitted that the Sri Lankans are 'hopeful' that the 22-year-old will be available for next month's second Test.
Vandort is a more than adequate replacement though, having played six Tests, and has two centuries to his name.
The left-hander could open with newcomer Malinda Warnapura, who is in line for his debut in the absence of veteran stars Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu.
The home side are the 1.33 favourites to win the opening Test of the three-match series, with Bangladesh trading at 11 and the draw can be backed at 3.

The 41-year-old turned down the offer of a new contract with the World Cup runners-up to take up a coaching position with Western Australia on a three-year deal.

The former World Cup winner said: "It was a very difficult decision to make given the strong relationship that has been built between Sri Lanka Cricket and myself.

"But at this stage in my life it was important that I made a bigger commitment to my family."

He added: "However, I will be more than happy to assist in whichever way I possibly can for the continuous success of Sri Lanka Cricket."

Moody will take up his new role on 1 July and Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement: "SLC regrets that Tom Moody has to leave our services and respects his decision.

"SLC is grateful to Tom for his valuable contributions to the success of the national and SLC during his tenure. We wish him all the success in his future endeavours."

News of Moody's resignation is likely to have an impact when trading gets underway for Sri Lanka's One-Day Series against Pakistan, which starts in Abu Dhabi on May 18.

The two nations meet again just two days later before clashing for the final time on May 22.

The big-hitting Kiwi missed Friday's record 215-run defeat at the hands of Australia because of a long-standing heel problem but he has insisted he will be available to face Sri Lanka in Jamaica.

Oram said: "It'll be fine, or at least that's the plan anyway. It was purely a precautionary exercise.

"If it had been the semi-final I would have pushed it, but Sri Lanka's the bigger fixture and it's important that I'm right for that."

Oram also moved to dismiss Ricky Ponting's claims that the Black Caps' confidence would have been knocked by their humbling at the hands of the old enemy and insists the result has been consigned to history.

"It hasn't dented our confidence as much as some people would think," he said.

"We know Tuesday will be so much more important and that's purely where our focus is now; we've almost forgotten about it.

"We weren't happy with the loss and we definitely wanted to win - but if we get up against Sri Lanka and make the final it's a whole new ball game."

Although New Zealand should welcome back both Oram and strike bowler Shane Bond, who also missed the Australia defeat, Sri Lanka are favourites at 1.74 to win on Tuesday, with the Black Caps available at 2.34.

New Zealand are also the outsiders at 6.6 in the outright winner market, behind Australia at 2, Sri Lanka at 5.3 and South Africa at 5.9.