Vaas exploited overcast conditions with the new ball

The tourists were 17-3 in their second innings at the close, a lead of 75, but Sri Lanka's batsmen also struggled.

"We need to get West Indies out quickly, keep them below 150.

"I am bowling as well as ever, the rhythm is good and I'm confident of taking more wickets," said Vaas, who struck twice with the new ball.

He also made 49 important runs earlier in the day, narrowly missing a half century when he was last man out in Sri Lanka's first innings.

"That I was also able to contribute with the bat is very satisfying. Playing English county cricket with Worcestershire has been a big help because I have been able to devote time to batting.

"Our batsmen need to put their heads down second time around," Vaas added.

West Indies undid some of their good work with the ball when their top order failed in the final session.

A lot of responsibility will fall on skipper Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who will resume on nought not out, having top scored in their first innings with 69.

"There is a lot to play for in this Test match," said coach Bennett King.

"We bowled exceptionally well. Now we need to bat deep to give our bowlers a good total to defend."

Jermaine Lawson claimed four wickets for West Indies in his first Test appearance for 11 months.

"I have been out of cricket for a long while but I am feeling pretty happy about things at the moment," he said.

"To come back in this match and take four wickets was a good achievement.

"We would be good to leave them chasing something like 300 but whatever we get we will just have to go out there and defend it."