President Mahinda Rajapaksa will declare open the newly constructed Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium prior to today’s ICC day-night match between Sri Lanka and Canada at the venue. The President said that Sri Lanka is honoured once again, to be a co-host of the ICC Cricket World Cup, and looks forward to welcoming the foreign teams.
“ I wish the Sri Lanka Cricket Team a very successful World Cup tournament, and look forward to all teams contributing to achieving the highest standards of the game,” he said.
.“We take pride in being able to hold matches in three of our state-of-the-art stadiums; R. Premadasa, Pallekelle and Sooriyawewa, completed in record time. Significantly, the Sooriyawewa Stadium in Hambantota and the Pallekele Stadium have been newly constructed targeting this year’s World Cup,” the President said in a message to mark the ICC World Cup.
“I trust Cricket lovers around the world will join us in witnessing the action in the field where 12 out of 49 matches, including a quarter final and semi-final will be played in Sri Lanka. I commend Sri Lanka Cricket for its tireless efforts in maintaining the high international standards of the game and trust our cricketers will bring much deserved fame to Sri Lanka,” the President’s message added.