The opening ceremony of the first phase of the Polonnaruwa National Cricket Stadium took place on Thursday (18) under the patronage of Sports Minister Harin Fernando. 

This new stadium was constructed under the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) National Development Pathway programme, which aims to provide equal opportunities for talented cricketers to represent the national team.

The ceremony was also attended by former President Maithripala Sirisena and SLC President Shammi Silva. 

SLC has spent a total of Rs. 170 million for the construction of the stadium, which addresses the longstanding need for a national stadium in the North Central Province. 

The stadium, located on 45 acres in Hingurakgoda, Polonnaruwa, features 10 grass strips and an 80 m boundary around the main grass strip, making it a significant facility for cricket development. 

The Polonnaruwa National Cricket Stadium is set to benefit cricketers from the districts of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Matale, as well as from Batticaloa, Ampara, and Trincomalee in the Eastern Province. 

This facility will help these players enhance their skills under the North Central Province Cricket Association.

In addition, in order to promote sports skills among rural players, sporting goods were distributed to 12 schools and 10 sports associations as part of the ‘Taking Sports to the Village’ initiative led by the subject Minister.