FIFA to support construction of international football stadium in Sri Lanka

Colombo, June 12 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is set to receive FIFA support for the construction of a new international football stadium in Negombo, a move expected to strengthen the country's sports tourism sector and football infrastructure, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath said yesterday.

The announcement was made at the launch of the official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone 2026 on York Street in front of the Grand Oriental Hotel (GOH) in Colombo Fort.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister said FIFA has agreed to provide financial and technical assistance for the proposed stadium following discussions held during the FIFA Vice President’s visit to Sri Lanka last year. The Kadolkale Stadium grounds in Negombo, owned by the Board of Investment (BOI), have been identified as the project site, while preliminary legal and administrative arrangements are currently underway.

Minister Herath said the facility would enable Sri Lanka to host international football tournaments in the future and contribute significantly to tourism development in the Negombo area.

He also highlighted the importance of developing football alongside cricket to unlock the country's untapped sports tourism potential. The Minister noted that tourist arrivals had surpassed one million by May 31 this year, reflecting the continued growth of the tourism industry.