The Welsh Feathers, ranked ninth in the world, took a 17-11 first-quarter lead against the Lionesses, ranked 15th.
In a hard-fought game in Cape Town, South Africa, they led 30-22 at half-time and 50-44 at the end of the third quarter.
Wales finish third in Pool C and will now compete with the top three sides from Pool D in the next round.
Sunday’s encounter with Sri Lanka was a must-win for both teams, who had lost both of their other games at the tournament.
Welsh Feathers coach Emily Handyside made one starting line-up change from Saturday’s 75-40 defeat by Jamaica, with Clare Jones returning for Shona O’Dwyer at centre, as they reverted to the seven who began Friday’s opening 61-50 defeat by hosts South Africa.
There was an eight-minute delay in the game because of blood on the court after Sri Lanka’s Dulangi Wannithilake was injured after an accidental hit.
Wales will be in Pool G for the next stage, which starts with an encounter against defending champions New Zealand on Monday (10:00 BST) before matches against Uganda and Trinidad and Tobago.
Alongside Wales, South Africa and Jamaica also advance into that pool but teams do not face opponents they have already played, although the results from their meetings are counted in the table.
The top two teams from that group will then advance to Saturday’s semi-finals.
Welsh Feathers captain Nia Jones told Sky Sports: ”I think it took us a little bit too long to get into the game.
Wales squad: Nia Jones (capt), Bethan Dyke (vice-captain), Lucy Howells, Clare Jones, Nansi Kuti, Zoe Matthewman, Shona O’Dwyer, Ella Powell-Davies, Georgia Rowe, Christina Shaw, Sarie Watkins, Phillipa Yarranton.
Sri Lanka squad: Thishala Algama – Semini Alwis – Gayanjali Amarawansa – Rashmi Diwyanjali – Dulangi Wannithilake – Malmi Hettiarachchi – Gayani Dissanayake – Chathurangi Jayasooriya – Gayathri Kaushalya – Tharjini Sivalingam – Bhashini Yoshitha De Silva – Shanika Perera
Source: www.bbc.com
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