COLOMBO, July 22: Sri Lanka’s batsmen flayed the Bangladesh attack Monday, smashing a record 509 runs in the day to put the hosts in complete control of the first Test.

Sri Lanka, replying to the tourists’ 161, reached 541 for nine at the close on the second day, with veteran Aravinda de Silva contributing 206 of the highest number of runs scored by one team in a day’s play at a Test match.

The previous record of 503 runs in a day was set by England against South Africa in 1924.

The 36-year-old De Silva struck 28 fours and one six in his 20th test century and second double hundred, the first coming 11 years ago against New Zealand.

The hosts, resuming on 32 for no wicket, lost three early wickets, Bangladesh fast bowler Talha Jubair striking twice to reduce Sri Lanka to 56 for three.

Jubair clean bowled opener Marvan Atapattu for 20 and Mahela Jayawardene third ball for a duck, while Manjural Islam chipped in with the wicket of Russel Arnold for 25.

But the hosts’ experience shone through as de Silva and Kumar Sangakkara led the recovery with a 150-run fourth-wicket partnership.

Sangakkara was run out for 75 by Alamgir Kabir, but captain Sanath Jayasuriya continued the run spree.

He scored 145, including 13 boundaries and six sixes, sharing a 234-run partnership with De Silva.

Jayasuriya’s dismissal promoted a flurry of cheap wickets, but Buddika Fernando and youngster Sujeewa de Silva were still going strong at the close, on 31 and five runs respectively.

Bangladesh are still seeking their first Test win since becoming the 10th Test playing nation in 2000. They have played 11 Tests, losing 10 and drawing one.