Formerly known as Khettarama Stadium, the historic R Premadasa Stadium was rechristened in 1994 in honour of the late Sri Lanka President Ranasinghe Premadasa who played a pivotal role in building it in 1986. The 35,000-seater staged its first international match on April 5, 1986, between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. On August 28, 1992, the venue hosted its first Test match, featuring Sri Lanka and Australia. Being one of the oldest in the country, this venue has witnessed many significant moments in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history. However, the one that stands out is the world record highest team total in Tests – 952 for 6-dec by Sri Lanka against India in 1997-98. It also included the highest batting partnership in Tests, of 576 runs, between Sanath Jayasuriya (340) and Roshan Mahanama (225). A new academy was started in its premises in 2003 including 16 practice pitches and dormitories.