The tourists' total was built around a second-wicket stand of 160 between Jayasuriya and skipper Mahela Jayawardene (66).

Left-handed opener Jaya-suriya's hundred was his 20th at this level -- more than the combined total of the England team -- while Sri Lanka's score was their best against England in a one-day international, surpassing the 303 for nine they made at Adelaide in 1999.

But things might have been worse for England, already 1-0 down in the five-match series, as Sri Lanka had looked on course for a target of 350 while their two most experienced batsmen were together.

The hosts did have the consolation of fast bowler Stephen Harmison's impressive haul of three for 31 from 10 overs.

But fellow quick Sajid Mahmood's seven overs cost 80 runs although he did take two wickets.

England, who'd conceded a record 42 extras in a series-opening, 20-run defeat by Sri Lanka at Lord's on Saturday, gave away 33 at The Oval.

They struck early when Upul Tharanga, who'd, scored a man-of-the-match winning 120 at Lord's, edged Harmison to first slip Marcus Trescothick for 17.

But Jayawardene, who'd won the toss, showed his intentions by getting off the mark with a whipped leg-side six off Mahmood and four balls later carved him extravagantly over cover for four.

Jayasuriya then advanced down the pitch to drive Mahmood for four and two balls later uppercut him for six.

Jaysauriya, 37 later this month, then completed a 68-ball fifty with one six and five fours.

He continued to take toll of Mahmood, lofting him for six over deep square leg with the bowler's first five overs costing 60 runs.

Jayawardene meanwhile turned Liam Plunkett down to fine leg for four to bring up a run-a-ball fifty with one six and three fours. England though then had a lucky break when Sri Lanka gifted them a wicket.

Jayasuriya played the ball behind him and although it was his captain's call, the opener sent Jayawardene back only for him to be run out by a distance after Ian Bell through to bowler James Dalrymple, Sri Lanka 194 for two after a second-wicket stand of 160 in 140 balls.

Jayasuriya though pressed on to a 122-ball century with two sixes and 11 fours. But going for a trademark uppercut over the offside infield he was well caught by Tim Bresnan, running in from cover, to leave Sri Lanka 259 for three in the 43rd over.

Sangakarra, dropped at third man on 28 by substitute Kabir Ali, a hard chance, kept the scoreboard ticking over before England captain Andrew Strauss missed a chance to run-out Dilshan.

Mahmood's first ball back saw him lofted for four by Sangakkara but later in the 48th over the wicketkeeper holed out to Kevin Pietersen for a 41-ball fifty.