Sangakkara, in a productive partnership with Tillakaratne Dilshan, kept the Sri Lanka total ticking along nicely as he brought up a 38th Test fifty on his way to 72 not out at tea.
Dilshan was also in fine form, thumping 12 fours and a six on his way to 90 not out as the tourists reached the interval on 170 for one.
Pakistan currently lead the best-of-three series 1-0 following a draw and a nine-wicket win in the opening two matches.
But their hopes of securing a series victory were dented as Sri Lanka recovered from the early loss of Tharanga Paranavitana to move into a strong position.
Pakistan started full of purpose with Umar Gul firing on all cylinders in the opening over. The fast bowler enjoyed plenty of movement off the pitch early on and almost removed Paranavitana with his fourth delivery, only for Azhar Ali to drop the chance at short leg.
But Gul did manage to dismiss the Sri Lanka opener with his next ball, a wicked delivery that encouraged an edge which Younus Khan held at second slip.
Yet any thoughts of a successful session for the Pakistan attack were swiftly knocked back by the second-wicket partnership of Sangakkara and Dilshan.
Sangakkara brought up the 9,000-run mark when he reached 28 off a four - one of seven in a 168-ball knock, which also featured a six.
Dilshan, meanwhile, enjoyed a timely return to form with a smouldering innings, racking up his 19th Test half-century in 91 balls before reaching the break just 10 runs shy of a ton.
© 2011 UKPA
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