Chris Gayle became the first West Indies batsman to smash a triple-century in an away Test as Sri Lanka continued to struggle for success in the opening Test.

The former captain smashed a superb 333 before he was castled by Ajantha Mendis.

Gayle cracked nine sixes and 34 fours in his 437-ball knock for his second Test triple-century. He was just four runs short of his career-best 317, against South Africa at home in 2005.

He also became only the fourth batsman to score two triple-centuries in Tests after Australian Don Bradman, India's Virender Sehwag and West Indies' Brian Lara.

Gayle's memorable moment came when he fluently drove unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendia through the covers for a four to reach his triple-century. He then raised his helmet and bat and sat on the pitch in celebration.

He was lucky to survive on 287 when he was caught by skipper Kumar Sangakkara at short extra cover while fending off a rising delivery off paceman Dammika Prasad, but it was ruled a no-ball.

Gayle started walking back to the pavilion before being stopped by non-striker Nash. The decision was referred to the TV umpire before on-field umpire ruled it a no-ball.

Gayle, who batted aggressively on Monday to hammer 219 off 247 balls, played cautiously in the morning and added just 36 to his overnight score with the help of three fours.

He hit only one boundary in the opening hour, pulling pacer Dammika Prasad. He later struck two fours in an over from left-arm paceman Thilan Thushara, lofting over mid-off and edging past slips.

The West Indies added 67 to their overnight total of 362-2 for the loss of one wicket in the morning.

With the knock, he is the fourth batsman to score two triple tons his first in the subcontinent.

Besides this it's the highest away score by a West Indies batsman, eclipsing Viv Richards' 291 against England at The Oval in 1976.