Zimbabwe made 244 for six and the Board XI replied with 245 for 6.
After openers Jayasuriya and Nawaz gave the President's XI a dream start, there was a collapse of sorts, but Mahela Jayawardena and Ruwan Kalpage steadied things. Kalpage made 26.
When victory was achieved at the wickets were Jayawardena on 87 and Lanka Silva on 15.
Jayawardena played a superb innings of 87 not out and with this innings staked a strong claim to play for Sri Lanka in the first of three internationals against Zimbabwe.
When Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first on a fine wicket they were off to a good start and runs kept coming easily as the wicket held no terrors.
Sanath Jayasuriya who led the President's XI did some good bowling changes but did not meet with any extra success.
Former Zimbabwe skipper Andy Flower who made a patient century in the Second Test at the SSC which they lost, carried on the good form and top scored for his side with 67.
Paul Strang who was a flop as batsman and bowler in the SSC Test came back to his own to smash an unbeaten 49. Others who helped swell the total were Murray Goodwin 41, Grant Flower 37 and Craig Whishart 37.
A crowd of over 10 thousand enjoyed a good game of cricket.
When the Board President's XI replied, Sanath Jayasuriya and Naveed Nawaz gave them a blistering start hammering the opening bowlers Rennie and Olanga to all parts of the ground.
Jayasuriya was particularly severe on first change bowler Everton Matabadanzo hitting him for 20 runs in four balls - 2 sixes and two fours. Jayasuriya was finally out for 55 off 40 deliveries with 3 sixes and 6 fours.
Nawaz who was also in good form made 28 in 45 balls with 5 fours.
Indika de Saram and Upul Chandana went cheaply.
Mahela Jayawardena and Ruwan Kalpage then settled down and took Sri Lanka to the winning target.