The tourists, chasing a target of 340 runs, were bowled out for 264 in their second innings after tea on the fourth day at the Galle International Stadium.

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath claimed six wickets in each innings against the world's top-ranked Test side. Off-spinner Suraj Randiv took four second innings wickets.

England's reply revolved around a defiant 112 from Jonathan Trott, but the tourists lost their last five wickets for 12 runs.

The second and final Test will start at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo from April 3.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 318 and 214; England 193 and 264