Mahela Jayawardene cracked an unbeaten century as Sri Lanka recovered well from the shock of losing early wickets to wrest control on day one of the first Test against New Zealand in Galle.

Jayawardene scored an unbeaten 108, his 26th Test century, as the hosts put the Black Caps' attack to the sword on a pitch which had assisted the fast bowlers at the start.

Chris Martin had secured early breakthroughs with the new ball, reducing Sri Lanka to 16 for two inside the first three overs. However, opener Tillakaratne Dilshan gave the home side impetus with a belligerent 92, while Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera carried the momentum forward, helping the home side reach 293 for three at stumps.

Samaraweera is unbeaten on 82 and has so far added 159 for the fourth wicket with Jayawardene.

The start of play in the morning was delayed due to rain and, when play finally began 90 minutes late, the Black Caps gained the early advantage.

Martin, who immediately found movement in the air and off the pitch, removed opener Tharanga Paranavitana for a duck with his third delivery with the new ball. The paceman got one to slant across the left-hander and flick the edge through to wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum.

Kumar Sangakkara then began his innings with two classy drives - but he was snared by Martin for nine while attempting a third, Daniel Flynn taking the catch.

Dilshan and Jayawardene steadied the ship with an impressive partnership before the former was dismissed by a poor delivery from Iain O'Brien, which he dragged back onto his stumps.

Former captain Jayawardene then assumed command following the departure of Dilshan. He drove Daniel Vettori for a couple of runs to long-off to get past the 50-run mark and pulled O'Brien to the midwicket fence to secure his century.

Samaraweera made a slow start but grew in confidence as his innings progressed.