Patience held the key to India establishing control on day three of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, according to leg-spinner Amit Mishra.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews went through to a sixth Test century during a wicketless first session but the hosts fell away thereafter - their last seven wickets tumbling for 65 runs.

Mishra, returning to the longest format for the first time in four years in this series, was the pick of the visiting attack with 4-43 as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 306.

India progressed to 70 for one at stumps - an overall lead of 157.

"We were not frustrated in that morning session when wickets didn't come," Mishra told a media conference.

"We always had a plan. That was to not allow them to score too many runs. 

"So that whenever we pick a wicket there was a chance to pick one or two more in succession."

A beautifully flighted, sharply spinning leg-break to bowl Jehan Mubarak stood as the highlight of a fine day's work from Mishra, who insists he never lost confidence during his years in the Test wilderness.

"Getting wickets was really important for me because I was playing after four years," he added.

"But, I was playing domestic cricket and was waiting for my chance. I didn't want a situation where I get the chance and I'm not ready. I had a lot of confidence. 

"If we can win, that will be more special that my wickets helped the team win the match."