'I have a small request...': Cricket great Jayasuriya makes rare appeal to PM Modi

Colombo: In a special request during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya on Sunday asked for India’s help in bringing an international cricket ground to Jaffna.

Jayasuriya, who was part of Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning team, expressed gratitude for India’s support during times of unrest in Sri Lanka and suggested that an international stadium in Jaffna would greatly benefit the people of Sri Lanka's northern and eastern regions.

"During our time of unrest and problems, you and the government helped us a lot. We are always grateful for your support," Jayasuriya told the Prime Minister. "As the coach of Sri Lanka, at the moment, we play all over Sri Lanka except Jaffna. If India can help us bring an international ground to Jaffna, it will be a big help for the people in the North and Eastern parts... I have a small request, if this can be done?"

Prime Minister Modi, currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, interacted with the 1996 World Cup-winning Sri Lankan team on Sunday. "Cricket connect! Delighted to interact with members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers!" Modi wrote on social media platform 'X.'

On the occasion, members of the victorious team, including Kumar Dharmasena, Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vaas, Upul Chandana, and Marvan Atapattu, presented the Prime Minister with a memento. PM Modi’s visit is focused on strengthening bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka, with several key agreements expected to be signed during the trip.