Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sooriyawewa, Hambanthota will host three ODI matches between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in July later this year.
This stadium has been named after the former President and current MP Mahinda Rajapaksa but it has been used only once since his defeat in the Presidential Election in January 2015 when Pakistan toured Sri Lanka in July 2015.
The stadium was completed in 2011 to host a couple of matches in the ICC World Cup and ICC World T20 in 2012.
“Playing 3 ODI games as day games, is expected to give SLC a saving of approximately Rs. 10 Million (Cost of playing under lights) which amount will be invested into the MRICS renovations. Sri Lanka Cricket believes that a strategic renovation and investment into the facilities at MRICS would benefit the game of cricket with the provision of a first class venue in the Southern Province.” SLC statement said.
His Excellency, has also directed the Army Commander Lieutenant General A W J C De Silva to assist Sri Lanka Cricket in security and maintenance of the MRICS on the request of SLC President, Thilanga Sumathipala.
The Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka is scheduled to get underway on the 27th of June. The three ODIs in Hambanthota will be played on the 6th, 8th and 10th of July.
