By end of play, India had declared on 503-9 before reducing the hosts to 8-2 in a rain-affected second day in Colombo.
Jurel remained unbeaten on 115 from 177 deliveries, hitting nine fours and two sixes, after sharing a crucial 112-run seventh-wicket partnership with Rishabh Pant. India had resumed on 300-5 and steadily built a commanding total despite repeated interruptions.
Pant, who had retired hurt after being struck on the forearm on the opening day, returned to the crease and immediately resumed his aggressive approach. He made 63 from 89 balls, including six fours and two sixes, with one maximum landing on the roof of the adjoining tennis courts and forcing the replacement of the ball.
The pair took India beyond Sri Lanka's reach before Pant fell to the first delivery after lunch, attempting to clear long-off. Jurel then continued to anchor the innings, adding further runs with Manav Suthar before eventually farming the strike as India approached 500.
Jurel endured a tense wait for his century. He remained on 99 for 21 deliveries as Sri Lanka brought in close fielders, before taking a quick single to mid-off. A direct hit would have left him short, but the throw missed the stumps and Jurel reached three figures.
India eventually declared at 503-9, with Asitha Fernando the home side's best bowler after taking 4-106.
Sri Lanka's reply began late after rain delayed the start, but the hosts' problems quickly worsened. Lahiru Udara was dismissed for one when he edged Prasidh Krishna towards gully, where Yashasvi Jaiswal produced a diving catch.
Prabath Jayasuriya was promoted to nightwatchman but lasted only seven deliveries before Manav Suthar trapped him lbw. Sri Lanka reviewed the decision, but umpire's call on the wickets confirmed the dismissal.
Bad light then ended play, leaving debutant Kamil Mishara unbeaten and Sri Lanka facing a 495-run deficit.
"We are behind in the game now," Fernando admitted. "Hopefully our batters will come out tomorrow and bat out the full day."
Only 56 overs were possible during a day dominated by rain and poor light, but India made the most of the available batting conditions to put themselves firmly in command.
India lead the two-match series 1-0. Fernando and Jaiswal were also fined 25 per cent of their match fees following their heated exchange on the opening day.
Pat Cummins has welcomed Australia's long-awaited return to South Africa, describing the Proteas as a "really strong side" as the visitors begin preparations for a three-Test series in October.
Devdutt Padikkal continued his outstanding start to the Test series with a second successive century as India reached 300-5 at stumps on day one of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
England produced a dominant display to thrash Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test of the 2026 series at Headingley, Leeds.
England soared to a 195-run lead in response to Pakistan's 171 all out in their first innings of the first of a three-match series on Day two of the Test match.
