The opener smashed an astonishing 106 from 92 balls and was ably supported by Kumar Sangakarra (54) and Mahela Jayawardene (77), as Sri Lanka amassed 319-8 from their 50 overs.
Dale Steyn took 3-47 for South Africa and Wayne Parnell (3-79) also chipped in.
Hashim Amla was dismissed for just two runs in South Africa's run chase, before a partnership of 81 between Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis restored some hope.
But Smith was clean bowled by the first ball of Ajantha Mendis' spell then Kallis followed soon after and JP Duminy was bowled by Mendis for a golden duck. The superb young spinner finished with figures of 3-30 from his seven overs.
Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews both took two wickets apiece before the rain came after 37.4 overs with South Africa on 206-7 - 55 runs adrift of the Duckworth/Lewis par score.
The South Africans looked short of match practice in all departments, and may now regret their decision to spend time training instead of playing after the Twenty20 World Cup in June.
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