The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground in Colombo has entered a new chapter ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with floodlights installed for the first time in its 75-year history. The upgrade elevates the iconic venue to an international day and night arena, making it the fifth such stadium in Sri Lanka.
The SSC will host five matches during the T20 World Cup, starting with Pakistan vs Netherlands on the opening day of the tournament on February 7.
With the addition of floodlights, the venue now joins the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium and the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota as grounds capable of hosting international matches under floodlights.
This development is particularly significant for a country steeped in the history of Sri Lankan cricket. The SSC hosted the first official one-day international in 1982 and continues to serve as the headquarters of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the sport’s governing body.
Sri Lanka Cricket Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda said the lighting system has been developed using state-of-the-art LED technology to meet international playing and broadcasting standards. The setup is designed to ensure clear visibility for players, officials and spectators alike.
A total of 630 LED floodlights have been installed on six tall masts, providing uniform illumination across the playing surface while minimizing glare and shadows.
The system is supported by an advanced lighting control mechanism that enables multiple operating modes, including dynamic lighting scenes designed to enhance the viewing experience during major events.
Apart from the floodlights, the SSC also underwent a number of infrastructure improvements ahead of the global tournament. These include improved dressing rooms, new offices for ICC match officials, dedicated broadcasters’ control and commentary rooms and upgraded VIP viewing boxes to boost the venue’s readiness for the T20 World Cup.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
January 29, 2026