England declared on 496-5 on the final day of the first Test with Sri Lanka at Sophia Gardens on Monday, but a draw is almost inevitable.
Rain delayed play until 3 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), leaving the teams with just 55 overs to force a result.
After Sri Lanka made 400 in its first innings, England declared with a lead of 96, after Ian Bell completed his century from the 12th ball of the day, when he clipped a delivery from Thisara Perera to third man.
Bell, who finished on 103 not out from 159 balls with one six and 11 fours, raised his arm to celebrate and immediately ran off the field, accompanied by Eoin Morgan who finished on 14 not out.
Sri Lanka now has to bat out 53 overs to ensure the first Test in this three-match series ends in a draw.
