Saturday Jun 13, 2026
Saturday Jun 13, 2026
Saturday, 13 June 2026 04:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka’s ambitions to develop sports tourism received a boost with the launch of the official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone 2026 in Colombo and the announcement of plans to build an international-standard football stadium in Negombo with support from FIFA.
The Fan Zone, where matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live, was officially inaugurated on Thursday (11) in front of the Grand Oriental Hotel in Colombo Fort.
Addressing the event, Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath revealed that the International Football Federation (FIFA) has agreed to support the construction of a world-class football stadium in Sri Lanka.
According to the Minister, land at the Kadolkale Stadium in Negombo, owned by the Board of Investment (BOI), has been identified for the project following discussions held during the visit of FIFA’s Vice President to Sri Lanka last year.
He said preliminary legal procedures have already commenced, paving the way for Sri Lanka to host international football tournaments in the future, while generating new tourism opportunities for Negombo and surrounding areas.
The Minister said football has the potential to replicate the success cricket has brought to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and help elevate the country’s sports tourism sector to international standards.
He also highlighted the historical significance of the Grand Oriental Hotel, noting that the landmark property, established in 1837 and owned by the Bank of Ceylon, has long been recognised internationally.
The Minister said the Cabinet has already approved plans to modernise and upgrade the hotel, while preserving its heritage value.
