Sri Lanka to upgrade stadium

R. Premadasa International Stadium will be developed

Sri Lanka Cricket have confirmed plans to redevelop the R. Premadasa International Stadium.

Work will start in mid-October after the two one-day internationals against England, with a view to increasing the 40,000 capacity.

Kangadaran Mathivanan, secretary of the newly-appointed interim committee, explained: “Sri Lanka Cricket has a long-term plan to develop the stadium after we agreed with the ministry of sports to manage the ground.

“The stands will be constructed to double tiers to hold more spectators. 

“One of the World Cup semi-final matches will be held in Colombo during the 2011 Championship and the ICC will provide the finances to upgrade the venue in Colombo.

“England will be playing two one-day internationals at the R. Premadasa Stadium during their tour here in October this year. We will begin doing the outfield and relaying the pitches after the English tour.”