Nestled in Sri Lanka’s Central Province near the town of Dambulla, the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium is a jewel in the nation's cricket architecture. Opened in 2000 and built on a 60-acre site leased from the Rangiri Dambulla Temple, the venue was carved out of dry zone terrain overlooking the scenic Dambulla Tank and the historic Dambulla Rock . It remains the only international cricket ground in Sri Lanka’s dry zone, purpose-built to offer uninterrupted play despite monsoon rains elsewhere .
Construction and Layout
Remarkably, the stadium was constructed in just 167 days, largely through the efforts of Surath Wickramasinghe Associates, who won architectural awards for their design . The layout features a five‑level grandstand with a striking “floating roof,” offering unobstructed views of both the pitch and the dramatic natural surroundings . The ground extends outwards with two covered tiers flanking the grandstand, open landscaped areas, and a pedestrian network linking amenities (food stalls, bathrooms, seating, car parks) throughout . The seating capacity is approximately 16,800, expandable to up to 30,000 for marquee matches .
Facilities and Upgrades
Floodlights were installed by 2003, enabling the stadium to host day-night matches and meet ICC match standards . In February 2024, the venue underwent a major revamp with the inauguration of a Centre of Excellence by President Ranil Wickremesinghe . This upgrade included a hydrotherapy unit, sports injury rehabilitation center, an international-standard swimming pool, and plans for an indoor practice facility, new media centre, and a redeveloped grandstand .
Pitch and Playing Conditions
The stadium pitch is famously bowler-friendly. Its location near a high water-table lake results in morning moisture favoring fast bowlers. As the day progresses, the surface tends to crumble under the sun, giving spinners a growing advantage in afternoon or evening sessions . Average innings scores hover around 210–220 in ODIs, and recent stats indicate first-inning averages near 213 and second-inning averages around 175 .
Notable Matches and Records
Dambulla’s first international fixture was an ODI debut match against England in March 2001 . Over the years, it has witnessed memorable contests: the 2010 Asia Tri-series final between India and Sri Lanka, explosive innings like Shahid Afridi’s blitz, and record-breaking totals such as Pakistan’s 385/7 against Bangladesh in 2010. Bowling feats include John Hastings’ 6/42, and hat-tricks by Farveez Maharoof and Taskin Ahmed .
Significance and Surroundings
Strategically located about 148 km from Colombo, the stadium acts as a weather‑reliable venue in the cricket calendar . Its proximity to cultural attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress adds tourist appeal . The blend of cricket and culture gives visiting fans both sporting excitement and scenic serenity.
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In summary, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is far more than just a cricket ground. It stands as a symbol of Sri Lanka’s decentralization of sport, combining historic resonance, architectural creativity, and year-round functionality. With recent enhancements, it’s evolving into a modern centre of excellence aimed at nurturing future talent—while offering fans a unique cricketing experience against an extraordinary natural and cultural backdrop.