India's Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando have been fined by the ICC after an on-field altercation on the opening day of the second Test in Colombo on Sunday.

Jaiswal and Fernando were each fined 25 per cent of their match fee and handed one demerit point.

The incident occurred in the 17th over of India's innings after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal. The batter walked towards the bowler and the two exchanged words, before Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal, who leaned in, causing their heads to touch.

Both players were found guilty of breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers inappropriate physical contact with a player, official or any other person during an international match.

Both players admitted the offence and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.

The sanctions came on a day when India and Sri Lanka were locked in a tight contest in Colombo. Rain halted play in the second session on day two, with India on 475 for 8.