Dhawan (110), who scored his third Test century, was well supported by Kohli as the duo stood firm to build an unbeaten 199-run partnership for the third wicket to take India’s score to 227/2 in 63 overs after the end of the first session’s play on Day Two.
Earlier, the visitors ended their first day’s play at 128/2 at stumps after off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin wrecked the hosts’ batting line-up with an impressive six-wicket haul to bundle out Sri Lanka for 183 in the first innings.
India’s premier spinner recorded his best overseas figures of 6 for 46 in 13.4 overs to trigger a collapse that saw the islanders being shot out in just 49.4 overs in their first innings after skipper Angelo Mathews opted to make first use on a track that had turn on offer on the first day itself.
At stumps, India looked in command as they reached 128 for two after opener KL Rahul (7) and Rohit Sharma (9) were dismissed cheaply.