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REFURBISHED SSC WITH FLOODLIGHTS READY FOR ICC T 20 WC MATCH BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND NETHERLANDS ON FEB 07-by Sunil Thenabadu
SSC floodlights ready for T20 World Cup
Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage officially inaugurates the new floodlights at SSC as SLC President Shammi Silva, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, SSC Cricket Development Committee Chairman Samantha Dodanwala, and other officials look on. (Pic courtesy: SLC)Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage officially inaugurates the new floodlights at SSC as SLC President Shammi Silva, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, SSC Cricket Development Committee Chairman Samantha Dodanwala, and other officials look on.
The newly installed floodlighting system at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Grounds, Maitland Place—one of the venues preparing for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026—was officially inaugurated on Wednesday evening.
The newly installed floodlighting system at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Grounds, Maitland Place—one of the venues preparing for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026—was officially inaugurated on Wednesday evening.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva, and SSC President A familiar sight — Jayasuriya batting. Picture by Herbert Perera A familiar sight — Jayasuriya batting.
Ranjith Pandithage. The floodlights were formally switched on by the Sports Minister ahead of a friendly match between SSC and the Sri Lanka Cricket Development Team.The installation forms part of a major upgrade program at the SSC in preparation for the global event, with Sri Lanka Cricket investing approximately Rs. 1.7 billion in infrastructure development at the historic Colombo venue.
Ranjith Pandithage. The floodlights were formally switched on by the Sports Minister ahead of a friendly match between SSC and the Sri Lanka Cricket Development Team.The installation forms part of a major upgrade program at the SSC in preparation for the global event, with Sri Lanka Cricket investing approximately Rs. 1.7 billion in infrastructure development at the historic Colombo venue.
SSC is scheduled to host five matches during the tournament, with the opening fixture at the ground set for February 7, 2026, between Pakistan and the Netherlands.The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will feature matches across three Sri Lankan venues—SSC, R. Premadasa Stadium, and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
In a symbolic moment, Sri Lanka’s legendary former captain and current head coach Sanath Jayasuriya faced the first delivery under the newly installed floodlights, marking a historic milestone for the iconic ground and its transition into a day-night venue. SSC Cricket Development Secretary Samantha Dodanwala said the floodlights would significantly enhance the ground’s capabilities.
“This facility gives SSC a much-needed upgrade. It opens up opportunities to host inter-school one-day matches and also provides the option of staging day-night Test matches in the future,” Dodanwala said.
He added that the new lighting system would expand SSC’s capacity to host international and domestic fixtures, training sessions, and major cricketing events, while further modernisation plans are also in place.
