Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis scored his maiden Test hundred in fine style a short while ago, clubbing Steven O'Keefe for a six over mid-wicket at Pallekale Stadium.

Mendis's 101 came in 143 balls and with 14 fours and a six.

At the time, Mendis had the bulk of Sri Lanka's 140 for 4 in 43 overs.

Mendis arrived in the middle early this morning when Dimuth Karunaratne was sent back by Michel Starc. The score was at 6 for 2, from an overnight 6 for 1.

Mendis saw two other partners also returning to the pavilion, Kaushal Siva for 7 and Angelo Mathews for 9. Dinesh Chandimal joined Mendis at the middle when the score was 86 for 4. Sri Lanka went for lunch at 116 for 4 with Mendis on 86 not out.