R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium formerly known as Khettarama Cricket Stadium, after the area of Colombo, Opened on February 2, 1986 with a limited-overs match between a Sri Lanka 'B' side and an England 'B' team. The inaugural one-day international was played on April 5, 1986 between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. On August 28, 1992 it hosted its first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia. The venue is best remembered for holding the world record for the highest Test total - 952 for 6 declared by Sri Lanka against India in 1997-98, in which the former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya scored 340 and Roshan Mahanama 225, the pair sharing the highest partnership in Test cricket with 576 for the second wicket.

At capacity, R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium's stands and terraces can hold 35,000 spectators with floodlights having a vibrant atmosphere unlike any other in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Spin legend, Muralitharan took his last international wicket at this venue in semi-final match of 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.