After two losses in Australia, it was a great comeback by us Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene

Seamer Chaminda Vaas took the first three wickets, while spinner Muttiah Muralitharan removed Matt Prior and Ian Bell after a crucial stand of 109.

"After two losses in Australia, it was a great comeback by us," he said.

"The fast bowlers came to the party early - we had to be patient as Belly and Matt batted well, and the second new ball did the trick for us."

Interview: Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene

Reflecting on the five days' play, he added: "Having been 42-5 on the first day, it was a great achievement to come back and win the match.

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"England had a good first-innings lead, so we had to dig deep but Sanga (Kumar Sangakkara) batted brilliantly and we just had to bat around him.

"Once the ball got older, it was very difficult for us to get anything out of the wicket, so we had to wait for the new ball - and once Murali came to the party, it was all over."

It was the final Test for opener Sanath Jayasuriya, who is stepping down from Test cricket.

Jayawardene added: "We're going to miss him, he's been a role model but he went on his own terms.