R Premadasa international cricket stadium,Colombo, Colombo Overview

The R. Premadasa International Stadium, earlier known as Kettarama Cricket Stadium till June 1994 was named after former Sri Lanka president Ranasinghe Premadasa. It was opened on February 2, 1986, and is on Khettarama Road, Maligawatta. It is the biggest stadium in Sri Lanka and is an excellent place to spend a breezy evening.

The best part is that visitors can enter this famous stadium to have a look around and you will also find the college and school students hanging out there after school hours on a usual day. Ever since it has hosted many test matches, T20s and ODI's. It had its seating capacity increased from 14,000 to 40,000, and the media-box accommodates 200 journalists, and other upgrades. The president and prime minister box are known to provide the most spectacular view.

History

The first match held here was a limited-overs match between a Sri Lanka 'B' side and an England 'B' team. The stadium was built on swampland previously used by monks ferrying across to the Kettarama temple adjacent to the stadium. The inaugural one-day international was played on April 5, 1986, between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. On August 28, 1992, it hosted its first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia.

Matches At The Stadium

As of today, over 100 international Cricket matches have been hosted here with the most memorable one between Sri Lanka and India. In the game, the world record for the highest test total – 952 for six declared by Sri Lanka in 1997-98 against India, in which the former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya scored 340 and Roshan Mahanama 225, the pair sharing the highest partnership in Test cricket with 576 for the second wicket.

Facilities

Sri Lanka Cricket's interim committee has taken steps to build a swimming pool and indoor nets, where the national side conducts much of its training. It currently has 18 practice pitches and also houses Sri Lanka's Max Cricket Academy. The tickets to matches are available from the official Sri Lankan Cricket Club site

Tips

You can't bring in fireworks and other dangerous material. Water and soft drinks can be delivered.
Parking can be an issue, so it is advised to come by taxi rather than their own vehicle.
One can quickly get plenty of tuk-tuks waiting outside after a late night match.

Restaurants and Local Food

After a late night and energetic cricket match, some nearby areas for your energy refill are Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant(famous and established in 1957), mainland China, Ministry of Crab(highly recommended).

How to Reach

You can take a taxi,tuk tuk or a bus from your location directly to the stadium.
The cheapest way to get from Pettah or fort to R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium is taxi which takes 5 minutes.