Chris Gayle put Sri Lanka's attack to the sword with an explosive double-century as the West Indies posted a huge 362 for two on the opening day of the first Test on Monday.
He hammered eight sixes and 26 fours in his 247-ball 219 not out for his 13th three-figure knock in Tests, and his first in the sub-continent, as West Indies made the most of winning the toss on a good batting pitch.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul was unbeaten on 20 at stumps.
Gayle's score was also his best in an away Test, surpassing the 197 against New Zealand at Napier in 2008, and his second-highest overall after his triple-century against South Africa at home in 2005.
Openers Gayle and Adrian Barath (50) put on 110 after Darren Sammy won the toss in his first Test as captain, the West Indies' second century partnership for the opening wicket in the last four years.
Gayle then consolidated his team's position with a record 196-run stand for the second wicket with debutant Darren Bravo, who scored a solid 58.
The West Indies' previous best for the second wicket against Sri Lanka was 134 between Dwayne Bravo and Ramnaresh Sarwan in Guyana in 2008.
Darren Bravo reached his fifty when he drove Ajantha Mendis through the covers for a four. He hit six fours before being caught by Thilan Samaraweera at deep square-leg off Mendis while trying to pull.
Sri Lanka struggled for success as it could grab just two wickets in three sessions.
Suraj Randiv removed young Barath in the morning session, but conceded 144 runs in his 32 overs. Mendis finished the day with one for 90 off 29 overs.
Sri Lankan seamers Thilan Thushara and Dammika Prasad also failed to test the West Indies as Gayle, Barath and Bravo gathered runs comfortably.
