President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has shared his aspiration to see an international cricket match played in Jaffna within the first five years of his government.

Speaking at a National People’s Power (NPP) election rally, the President revealed that he had discussed this goal with Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya during a recent meeting. He emphasised that the initiative would include building an international-standard stadium in Jaffna and promoting a unified national cricket team featuring Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim players.

“When Sanath Jayasuriya asked me what needs to be done, I told him we must work toward constructing an international stadium in Jaffna and hosting a match there within our first term,” the President stated.

Jayasuriya, accompanied by Sports Minister Sunil Gamage, recently toured the proposed site in Mandathivu. The land for the stadium has already been identified and acquired, and discussions are ongoing to secure the necessary funding.

Minister Gamage confirmed that formal requests for assistance have been submitted to the Indian High Commissioner and Prime Minister, with Sri Lanka Cricket also pledging its support for the project, which aims to develop cricket in the Northern Province.