Cricket in Sri Lanka began soon after its establishment in India. The island nation situated in the Indian Ocean has worshiped cricket over the years. Cricket stadiums in Sri Lanka have most likely been bowler friendly with large boundaries.
- Galle International Stadium, Galle
Galle International Stadium in Colombo is beautifully surrounded by the Indian Ocean on two sides. Located near the Galle Fort, the stadium is considered as one of the most scenic stadiums in Sri Lanka. The stadium hosted its first international Test and ODI in 1988. The ground was initially a race course in 1876. The ground has been recognised as a cricket stadium since 1927. Almost 60 years, the stadium was upgraded to international standards. The tsunami of 2004 destroyed the stadium totally. The redevelopment which began in May 2006 was completed in December 2007. The spin-favoring conditions brought no surprises as Lankan legends Muthiah Muralidaran and Rangana Herath reached historic milestones at the same venue.
Capacity: 35,000
Historic Matches: In 2010, Chris Gayle scored his iconic 333 in a Test against the hosts Sri Lanka.
Nearby Spots: The Galle Fort stands as a neighbor to the stadium and is the closest tourist attraction from the stadium.
- Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Matale
Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium is located close to the Rangiri Dambulla Temple. It is the only stadium in Sri Lanka to be built in the dry Zone. The stadium hosted its first ODI in March 2001 against England. Almost 10 years later, the stadium was stripped off from hosting international fixtures post criticism of the poor floodlight system. The venue then received an upgrade in the floodlight system in 2016. The Dambulla Stadium is recognized for its bowler friendly pitch, benefitting both seam and spin.
Capacity: 16,800
Historic Matches: The ODI played between England and Sri Lanka in 2003 remains one of Sri Lanka’s most epic bowling records. England lost all ten wickets within 88 runs, courtesy Chaminda Vaas’ 3 wicket haul.
In 2017, Bangladeshi pacer Taskin Ahmed registered figures of 4 wickets for 47 runs, including an hat-trick.
Nearby Spots: The Knuckles Mountains, Aluvihare Rock Temple.
- Colombo Cricket Club Ground, Colombo
Colombo Cricket Club Ground is one of the oldest and smallest cricket grounds in Colombo. The venue hosts the home matches of Colombo Cricket Club. Press Box End and Pavillion End are the two ends of the venue. The ground has hosted three international Test fixtures. It was also listed amongst the venues for the U-19 World Cup.
Capacity: 6,000
Historic Matches: In one of the initial tests at the venue in 1984, Sir Richard Hadlee scalped two fifers in two innings against the hosts Sri Lanka.
Nearby Spots: Colombo National Museum, Mount Lavinia Beach, Independence Square
- Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy
Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy is one of the most beautifully unique venues in the world. The stadium is surprisingly owned and maintained by Trinity College, Kandy. The infrastructure was astonishingly improved in just 5 months and it hosted the first Test in 1982 between the Aussies and Sri Lanka. The venue hosted 22 Tests before the SLC decided to shift cricketing activities to Pallekele.
Capacity: 10,000
Historic Matches: Australia recorded 263 runs in a T20I against Sri Lanka in September. This still remains as the highest score in T20I innings.
Nearby Spots: Ceylon Tea Museum, Millennium Elephant Foundation, Udawattekele Sanctuary
- Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
The venue was established in 2009 and is mostly used for white ball cricket. It has hosted major tournament fixtures like the 2011 World Cup and 2012 World T20. The Lanka Premier League Matches in 2020 were all hosted in the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. The venue has been heavily criticized for hosting less international matches despite investing massively in a rural area.
Capacity: 34,300
Historic Matches: Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis picked up the T20I only fifer in the stadium’s history in 2012 against Zimbabwe. Mendis conceded only 8 runs in this iconic spell.
Nearby Spots: Ridiyagama Safari Park, Walawe River Safari, Dry Zone Botanic Gardens.
- Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium holds the joint highest capacity for a stadium in Sri Lanka. It was shortlisted as a hosting venue for the 2011 Cricket World Cup and 2012 World T20. The stadium has been one of the most active Sri Lankan stadiums in all formats till date.
Capacity: 35000
Historic Matches: Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell smashed 145 runs in a T20I innings against the hosts Sri Lanka. His contributions powered the team’s total to 263 runs.
Nearby Spots: Horton Plains National Park, Wales Park
- Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo
In 1899, a mixed school cricket team defeated the Colts Cricket Club. This victory led to the formation of Sinhalese Sports Club. In 1956, the ground’s pavilion was built with the help of sponsorships. Scoreboards were installed, commentary boxes were built. The ground has hosted the highest number of Tests and ODIs in Sri Lanka.
Capacity: 10,000
Historic Matches:
Nearby Spots: Viharamahadevi Temple, Gangaramaya Temple, Pettah Floating Market
- De Soysa International Cricket Stadium, Moratuwa
Formerly known as Tyronne Fernando Stadium, the venue is a multi purpose Stadium in Moratuwa. The stadium hasn’t been active recently in international cricket but hosts the matches of Moratuwa Sports Club and school competitions.
Capacity: 15,000
Historic Matches:
Nearby Spots: Dehiwala Zoo, Bolgoda Lake
- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is referred as “The Home Of Sri Lankan Cricket”. With an attendance capacity of 35,000 spectators, the stadium surpasses the capacity of the iconic Lord’s. The venue has hosted several bilateral fixtures and ICC tournaments.
Capacity: 35,000
Historic Matches: Sri Lanka’s record breaking Test score of 952 runs was scored at this venue against India.
Nearby Spots:
- P. Sara Oval, Colombo
Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo is a multi-purpose Stadium in Colombo. It is also the home ground of Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club. The first Test in the stadium was held in 1982. The venue is a comparatively smaller one and has lower stands.
Capacity: 15,000
Historic Matches:
Nearby Spots:
