Early morning blue skies had offered hope of a prompt resumption, only for a shower shortly before 11:00am to keep the players in the changing rooms.
Sri Lanka, after losing the toss, were 177 for nine with Surrey fast bowler Chris Tremlett, who made his name at this ground playing for Hampshire, taking a Test-best six for 42.
This match, the first Test ever staged at the Rose Bowl, has been blighted by rain with only 61.2 overs out of the scheduled 180 being bowled in the first two days.
England lead the three-match series 1-0 after an innings and 14-run win in the first Test in Cardiff was followed by the drawn second Test at Lord's. (AFP)
