Kaushal Silva paid tribute to Angelo Mathews after Sri Lanka moved 166 runs ahead in the second Test against Pakistan on Friday.

The hosts surpassed Pakistan's meagre total of 138 to make 304-9 before rain curtailed play on day two in Colombo, 

Silva (80) and Mathews (77) were pivotal to the innings, putting on a 72-run fourth-wicket stand before Silva was run out following a mix-up with Mathews in the 76th over.

Regardless, Mathews stood firm as Pakistan began to make inroads with the wickets of Dinesh Chandimal and Kithuruwan Vithanage in quick succession.  

"I was very sad about it but it's all in the game," Silva said after missing out on a third consecutive century.

"It's all in the game I guess, sometimes you make mistakes. I believe everyone is playing well to get the team into good positions - what happened today won't happen again, we have to learn from our mistakes.

"Mathews played a huge role, when he came into bat we were in 50-50 situation but he took the pressure off me as well.

"He got some quick runs and that was easy for me to capitalise on - I think he changed the whole scenario of the game."

With Sri Lanka on course to level the three-Test series, Silva added: "We have got a reasonable lead.

"We've got another wicket and hopefully we can chip in with another 20 runs - that would be great for us.

"We saw the wicket was spinning through the day so if we can two or three quick wickets with the new ball then we're in a good position."