Sri Lanka is predominantly a cricket-playing country, but football is also part of the national sports competitions. The love for soccer has seen world-class stadiums built over the years. Other sports that are popular in Sri Lanka include: · Volleyball · Water sports · Athletics · Tennis
1. Sugathadasa Stadium
The sports ground was established in 1972 and is found in Colombo. With a seating capacity of 65,000 people, it is home to the Colombo football club and Sri Lanka national football team. · Has a hotel inside · It is a multipurpose ground · Was home to Elite Football League of India in 2012
2. Kalutara Stadium
Just like Sugathadasa Stadium, Kalutara Stadium is used for many purposes. However, football is the most common activity here. Situated in Kalutara city and can hold 15,000 people at a go. · Cricket · Political rallies · Music extravaganzas and concerts
3. Bogambara Stadium
One of the oldest stadiums in Sri Lanka, Bogambara is a multi-purpose stadium. It hosts football matches, cricket tests and rugby tournaments. · A seating capacity of 30,000 · Was converted from a lake · Construction started in 1897
4. Premadasa Stadium
With a seating capacity of 35,000 spectators, this is easily Sri Lanka’s biggest stadium. It used for football as well as cricket and rugby. It was opened in 1994 and is home to the Sri Lankan cricket national team. · A project of late president Ranasinghe Premadasa · Built on rehabilitated swampland · Hosted the inaugural in 1992
5. Pallekele International Stadium
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is host to cricket league games as well as football. It is found in Kandy, Sri Lanka and has been renamed as the Muttiah Muralitharan, in honour of the celebrated cricketer. · A 35-000 seater capacity · Was opened in 2009 · It has a length of 164 meters and width of 150 meters
6. Galle International Stadium
It is home to Galle Cricket Club and sits magnificently on the periphery of the Indian Ocean. Although it is majorly a cricket stadium, soccer is occasionally played here. · Declared cricket stadium in 1927 · Has a seating capacity of 35,000
7. Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
Established in 2000, it is one of the newest stadiums in Sri Lanka. A frequent host of cricket games, it has these features: · Overlooking the Dambulla water reservoir · Was first used in 2001 · Floodlights erected in 2003
8. Mahinda Rajapaska International Stadium
Having been built to host the 2011 Cricket World Cup, the stadium is used for a variety of sports events today. With a capacity of 35,000 people and is scheduled to host the 2017 Asian Youth Games. · Situated in Habantota, southern province · Part of Habantota’s transformation as a second urban hub after Colombo · First cricket game played in February 2011
9. Sinhalese Sports Club Grounds
The club ground is a famous as it is the headquarters of Sri Lanka Cricket. Similarly, it is a popular stadium where families go to cheer their favourite teams. There are only a few football matches held here. · Often referred to as the Lord’s of Sri Lanka · Hosted its first cricket test in 1984 · The national side has an extraordinary successful history here
10. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium
Located in Borela, Colombo, it is owned and operated by the Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club. Although it is currently used for cricket matches, football is played here as well. · Named after the first president of Board of Control for Cricket · First test was played in February 1982 · Also called the Colombo Oval
Author Bio:
I am Nancy, freelancer and part time blogger. I love reading and writing blogs. Apart from this I like traveling around the world and share my traveling experience by means of my article. Currently I am doing a research work on Sri Lankan visa which will assist you in visa services.
