Moeen Ali's maiden one-day international century and Ravi Bopara's lower-order exploits were in vain as England came up short against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
The tourists suffered a 25-run defeat in the opener of a seven-match series as they failed to chase down 318 despite two impressive individual performances.
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Alastair Cook inserted the Lions on a pitch which he was hoping may get some assistance from the wet weather which had delayed the start of the match by an hour.
However, rustiness showed in an England attack which has not had a competitive outing since September, and Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kushal Perera were quick to take advantage of anything loose.
They put on 120 in good time and did not look in trouble until they gifted England a first wicket with a run-out. A mix-up left Perera (59) stranded, and Kumar Sangakkara soon followed lbw to Moeen's off-spin.
Mahela Jayawardene came to the crease and Sri Lanka went about building another substantial partnership, but Dilshan (88) fell short of his hundred when his leading edge presented Chris Woakes with a return catch.
The largely economical spin of James Tredwell picked up Jayawardene (55) and Angelo Mathews (33) in successive balls, but Lahiru Thirimanne and Jeevan Mendis blasted the hosts to 317-6 from 50 overs.
England's response was initially promising as Moeen flourished in his new role at the top of the order, after partner Cook had survived two lbw reviews in an action-packed first Mathews over.
The Worcestershire star dominated an opening stand of 51 which was ended when Cook was not spared for a third time, trapped in front by Dilshan for 10, although Moeen continued in his aggressive stride.
While the left-hander peppered the boundary on his way past fifty, England were losing wickets at the other end as Thisara Perera made better use of the conditions to have Ian Bell (35) and Joe Root (two) caught behind.
Eoin Morgan (one) and Jos Buttler also fell cheaply, but Moeen's rapid century - the third fastest in ODIs for England - ensured that the tourists were well up with the run rate when Bopara came in at 159-5.
Ali's memorable knock of 119 from 87 balls came to an end when he chipped back to Jeevan Mendis and, while Bopara continued the fight, two expert stumpings from Sangakkara did for Ben Stokes (16) and Woakes (7).
Running out of partners, the recalled all-rounder took more risks and got England to within 31 by the time that Tredwell was bowled by Ajantha Mendis to leave number 11 Harry Gurney as his last hope.
It proved to be too much for Bopara as an attempted leg-side slog went skywards, and Kushal Perera held on to a towering catch to see Sri Lanka draw first blood in a series which continues on Saturday.
