Strike bowler Makhaya Ntini launched South Africa's tour of Sri Lanka with a five-wicket haul on the first day of their warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Board President's XI on Friday.

Ntini took five for 37 from 13 overs as the President's XI were bowled out for 251 in 79.4 overs.

South Africa lost both openers, Graeme Smith and Andrew Puttick, to Sri Lanka quick Dilhara Fernando as the touring side closed the first day of the three-day game on 34 for two after eight overs.

Mornantau Hayward, back in the South Africa squad after an 18-month exile after playing English county cricket, also bowled impressively, taking two for 43 from 11 overs.

Former Sri Lanka one-day player Chamara Silva top-scored for the President's XI with 68 and Romesh Kaluwitharana warmed up for the Test series with a lively run-a-ball 51 that included eight fours.

The two-Test series begins next week in Galle.

Scores: Sri Lanka Board President's XI 251 all out in 79.4 overs (R.Kaluwitharana 51, C.Silva 68, C.Wijesinghe 42; M.Ntini 5-37, M.Hayward 2-43). South Africa 34-2 in 8 overs (D.Fernando 2-16).