The R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is the largest cricket stadium in the country with a seating capacity of 35,000 spectators. Originally known as Khetterama Cricket Stadium (until June 1994), it was the vision of the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa, who championed its construction. Opened on February 2, 1986, this iconic venue has since become the heartbeat of Sri Lankan cricket, hosting some of the most memorable matches in history.
It has regularly staged Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and major ICC tournaments, and is home to many historic records – including the highest-ever Test total in cricket history.
📍 Location & Accessibility
- City: Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
- Area: Khettarama, just outside Colombo city centre
- Transport: Well connected by roads, local buses, and trains; parking available near the stadium
- Landmark: Adjacent to the historic Khettarama temple, built on land that was once swampland
🏏 Cricket History
- First Match: February 2, 1986 (Sri Lanka ‘B’ vs England ‘B’)
- ODI Debut: April 5, 1986 – Sri Lanka vs New Zealand
- Test Debut: August 28, 1992 – Sri Lanka vs Australia
- T20I Debut: June 2009 – Sri Lanka vs Pakistan
Historic Matches & Records
- 1997-98: Sri Lanka 952/6 declared vs India – World record Test total
- Sanath Jayasuriya (340) and Roshan Mahanama (225) – world record 576-run partnership for 2nd wicket
- 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup: Hosted several key matches including semi-finals
- 2012 ICC World T20: Venue for group & knockout games
- Memorable day/night ODIs under lights, especially against India and Pakistan
🌟 Key Highlights & Features
- Seating Capacity: 35,000 (largest in Sri Lanka)
- Speciality: Venue of world record scores and iconic Sri Lankan victories
- Architecture: A colossal concrete bowl, designed for maximum crowd accommodation
- Facilities: Modern dressing rooms, corporate boxes, media centre, VIP lounges
- Floodlights: State-of-the-art lighting for day-night matches
- Academy: A training centre with 16 practice pitches and dormitories (opened in 2003)
🏟️ Pitch & Outfield Characteristics
- Pitch Type: Traditionally a batting paradise but can assist spinners as the match progresses
- Batting Conditions: Flat, high-scoring, ideal for long partnerships
- Bowling Conditions: Spinners benefit on day 4 & 5 in Tests, pacers rely on reverse swing under lights
- Outfield: Fast and lush, encouraging stroke play
- Day/Night Matches: Humidity and dew play a big role; lights make it a spectacular setting
🔥 Famous Matches & Tournaments
- 1992: First Test hosted – Sri Lanka vs Australia
- 1997-98: Sri Lanka’s record 952/6 vs India (Jayasuriya & Mahanama marathon stand)
- 2011 ICC World Cup: Hosted crucial group matches and knockout games
- 2012 ICC World T20: Hosted multiple matches including high-voltage contests
- ODI classics: Several India–Sri Lanka and Pakistan–Sri Lanka thrillers under lights
🎉 Fan Experience
- Atmosphere: Electric, passionate Colombo crowd with drums, flags, and chants
- Seating: Mix of modern stands and traditional seating; large capacity adds to noise and energy
- Facilities: Food stalls, local Sri Lankan delicacies, fan zones, and family-friendly areas
- Unique Appeal: Watching cricket in Sri Lanka’s largest and most iconic venue, under the floodlights, is an unforgettable experience
- Tourism Blend: Located near Colombo city, fans can enjoy shopping, temples, and beaches before/after matches
👉 R. Premadasa International Stadium is not just Sri Lanka’s largest cricket venue – it is the country’s cricketing fortress. With its historic matches, record-breaking feats, passionate crowds, and modern facilities, it continues to stand tall as one of the great cricket stadiums of the world.
