Morning session: Sri Lanka 132 for three
Given that day two is usually the day when batsmen start to earn their best rewards at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan's bowlers were well aware the going would be tough this morning.
They are making Sri Lanka work for any first innings lead, though, and enjoyed two successes in the opening session.
Rahat Ali picked up the valuable scalp of Kumar Sangakkara when the left-arm seamer trapped him plumb lbw for 26.
Dinesh Chandimal surrendered limply soon after when he was caught by Rahat at fine leg, top edging a hook off Junaid Khan for 12.
The Sri Lankans trailed by 33 runs at the interval as Kaushal Silva (40) and Mahela Jayawardene (19) made it to lunch undefeated.
Afternoon: Sri Lanka 215 for three
Sri Lanka's batsmen made steady progress in the war of attrition as Kaushal Silva and Mahela Jayawardene maintained an unbroken alliance trough the afternoon session.
Jayawardene reached the 46th half-century of his Test career on the stroke of tea, although it was slow going to get there.
He reached the milestone off the 134th delivery of his innings, with a single off the bowling of Bilawal Bhatti.
At the other end, Silva was closing in on his century on 92 as the pair added 83 runs in 30 overs in the session, giving their side a 50 run lead.
Evening:
Sri Lanka 318 for four
Mahela Jayawardene brought to an end an 18 innings drought as he brought up his 32nd Test century when he cut Bilawal Bhatti for four.
The former captain had reached 106 not out by stumps as the Sri Lankans stretched their lead over Pakistan to 153 with six wickets still standing.
Pakistan had been afforded some cheer early in the session when Kaushal Silva was trapped in front by Mohammed Hafeez, five runs short of a century of his own.
Their joy was short lived, though, as Angelo Mathews - reprieved on six by a dropped catch at the wicket by Sarfraz Ahmed - continued his good form from Abu Dhabi.
The captain was unbeaten on 42 as Sri Lanka closed in a position of power.
