No other batsman managed more than 24 but Sri Lanka's total was boosted by England's record tally of 42 extras, including 23 wides. This surpassed the 41 extras they conceded against Sri Lanka at Delhi in 1989-90.

Fast bowler Stephen Harmison, who led the attack with three for 52, was the worst offender with eight wides in what was the opening encounter of a five-match series.

Sri Lanka had looked on course for a total in excess of 300 but tight bowling in the middle of the innings from all-rounder Paul Collingwood (two for 29) pegged them back.

After England stand-in skipper Andrew Strauss won the toss and fielded, Sanath Jayasuriya briefly threatened before he was caught behind for 11.

Meanwhile left-hander Tharanga, was severe early on anything short and wide outside off-stump as he began confidently towards his third one-day international hundred and first against England.

And when Harmison returned he too was off-target, Tharanga striking him for successive fours to go to a 44-ball fifty.

Off-spinner James Dalrymple, playing his first one-day international in England after a debut away to Ireland earlier this week, started tidily on his Middlesex home ground.

And he should had Tharanga stumped on 59, with Sri Lanka 114 for one in the 19th over, but wicketkeeper Geraint Jones -- much criticised for his glovework -- missed the chance.

Dalrymple, struck for six by Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, and medium-pacer Paul Collingwood did staunch the flow of runs.

And it was Collingwood who ended a stand of 99 in 112 balls when Jayawardene (24) miscued to Strauss at deep mid-off to leave Sri Lanka 124 for two in the 22nd.

The middle-order then fell away before the 21-year-old Tharanga completed his hundred in 128 balls with 13 fours with a single off Collingwood.

Tharanga, in sight of carrying his bat, holed out to Dalrymple off fast bowler Sajid Mahmood in the penultimate over.