But the veteran batsman was reserved after the match, played in front of Sri Lanka's adoring home crowd in Hambantota, saying there are more difficult battles ahead before Group A is decided.
"We had a few nerves before the game started, just to get on with the World Cup in front of our own crowd," Jayawardene said.
"It's not easy to play a team like Canada. You've got to make sure that you come in prepared. It's a good start but we've got a lot of hard work ahead of us with other teams."
Sri Lanka were less than impressive at the beginning of their innings, ticking over at less than five runs per over before Jayawardene and skipper Kumar Sangakkara (92) sparked the hosts to life with a devastating 179-run partnership for the third wicket that guided the hosts to 332 from their 50 overs.
"To be fair on the Canadian side they bowled really well," the vice-captain said.
"They bowled in good areas to start off with, and (Tillakaratne) Dilshan couldn't get away and neither did Upul (Tharanga), but it was important for us to keep wickets in hand."
"We had a good partnership between Kumar and me. We needed to change that rhythm a bit in the middle overs and we managed to do that and took control of the game."
Pace spearhead Lasith Malinga missed Sunday's opener as a precaution, but Jayawardene confirmed the fiery quick would be right in time for Sri Lanka's next match against Pakistan on Saturday.
"Lasith had a bit of a back strain," he said.
"He played in the West Indies game as well so we didn't want to risk him."
"He bowled yesterday and he was okay but given the fact that we have got a couple of crucial games coming up we thought that he should get a break."
"He'll get into his stride in the next few days and should be okay for the Pakistan game."
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