Opting to bat, the home side motored to 102/1 off the 32 overs bowled in a session that also witnessed a brief rain delay.
the surface for this game has appeared much drier from the outset and it has meant that New Zealand's spinners have started to get turn in the first session itself.
The only wicket to fall that of Pathum Nissanka, came early on to the new ball as Tim Southee got the opener to nick one through to the keeper.
There was swing on offer at the start and Karunaratne was fortunate to survive a dropped catch at first slip where the usually reliable Daryl Mitchell put down a dolly.
Had either of the chances been taken, New Zealand would have been able to create intense pressure on the Lankans.
the partnership grew with Chandimal being the aggressor. He also rode his luck with a few plays-and-misses while the odd mistimed stroke also ensued.
The surface has already started to grip and explode from a length, and New Zealand's bowlers could create more problems if they stick to the basics.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 102/1 (Dinesh Chandimal 60*, Dimuth Karunaratne 40*; Tim Southee 1-30) vs New Zealand