President reveals special request made to Sanath Jayasuriya
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says he hopes to see an international cricket match played in Jaffna within his government’s first five-year term.
Speaking at a National People’s Power (NPP) election rally, the President said he had raised the idea during a recent meeting with Sri Lanka Cricket Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya. He said his vision includes building an international stadium in Jaffna and seeing Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim players representing Sri Lanka together.
“When Sanath Jayasuriya asked me what should be done, I told him we should definitely try to build an international cricket stadium in Jaffna and host an international cricket match during our first five years,” the President said.Jayasuriya, along with Sports Minister Sunil Gamage, recently visited Jaffna to inspect the proposed site in Mandathivu. The land has already been identified and acquired, with discussions underway to secure funding.
Minister Gamage confirmed that requests for support have been made to the Indian High Commissioner and Prime Minister, while Sri Lanka Cricket will also support the project aimed at boosting cricket in the Northern Province.
