Suranga Lakmal struck off the third ball of England's chase, dismissing Alex Hales.
Sri Lanka's middle order resurrected the innings with half-centuries from Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (above) and Angelo Mathews.
Eoin Morgan, England skipper, won the toss and elected to field against Sri Lanka in the third One-Day International at Bristol
England struck early to dismiss openers Danushka Gunathilaka (above) and Kusal Perera, leaving them reeling at 32 for 2.
Sri Lanka's lower order failed to capitalise on a good platform provided by the middle-order. Barring Upal Tharanga, none of the other lower-order batsman managed to make a significant contribution.