After 130 overs had been lost to rain in the first Test of a three-match series, England bowled the tourists out for just 82 in a fraction over two hours in their second innings.
The result was a stunning turnaround after only 15 wickets had fallen on the first four days and provided yet more evidence that England's ambition to become the number one Test team in the world is a realistic goal.
The final day started four hours late and England batted for only two overs to allow Ian Bell to reach his hundred, declaring at 5 for 496.
Sri Lanka then began its second innings trailing by 96 runs, and lasted little over two hours before crumbling.
Fast bowler Chris Tremlett sparked the win with the first three wickets and finished with 4 for 40. Off spinner Graeme Swann claimed 4 for 16 and Stuart Broad wrapped up the win with the final two wickets.
England's performance was all the more praiseworthy as it had been reduced to three specialist bowlers when leading paceman James Anderson suffered a side strain in the Sri Lanka first innings.
Sri Lanka struggled immediately when Tharanga Piranavitana was caught at first slip off Tremlett for a duck and skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan was caught and bowled for 10 before tea.
After the interval, Sri Lanka was immediately under pressure once more when Mahela Jayawardene (15) became England and Tremlett's third wicket.
After playing and missing the previous ball, the batsman edged the next delivery to captain Andrew Strauss at first slip.
Jubilant celebrations
It was then 4 for 36 when Thilan Samaraweera (0), batting with an injured elbow, chopped a bottom edge on to his stumps from a ball that turned and kept low from Swann.
The procession of wickets continued as Sri Lanka slipped from 4 for 43 to 7 for 43, starting with the loss of former captain Kumar Sangakkara for 14. The left-hander came forward and prodded at Swann only to edge low down to Strauss at slip for his third catch of the innings.
By this time the 922 spectators, who had either braved the rain or arrived late to watch just under half a day's play, would have sensed that one of Test cricket's most freakish results was about to unfold before their eyes.
The sixth man to depart was all-rounder and number seven batsman Farveez Maharoof (0), caught off a faint edge by wicketkeeper Matt Prior off Swann. He failed in his bid to have the decision reversed on review.
The next victim in the crazy session was first innings centurion Prasanna Jayawardene (3), who was caught down the leg side by Matt Prior off Tremlett. Initially umpire Billy Doctrove rejected England's appeal but it was overturned on review.
The Sri Lankans looked to be plummeting towards their lowest Test total of 71 when they slumped to 8 for 52 with Rangana Herath (3) departing lbw to Swann after missing a sweep.
Ajantha Mendis drove Swann through the covers for a boundary but a rally in which Thisara Perera counter-attacked briefly for 20, including four fours was soon over.
Perera jabbed a ball heading for his ribcage from Stuart Broad to Ian Bell at shirt leg, an impressive one-handed diving effort.
Last man Suranga Lakmal was the 10th victim two balls later when he edged Broad to third slip Alastair Cook to spark jubilant scenes among the England team.
- Reuters
Tags: sport, cricket, sri-lanka, united-kingdom, england, wales
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