Quick answer
Bangladeshi cricket fans visiting Sri Lanka usually see Tests at Galle and in Colombo at the SSC or the P Sara Oval, where Bangladesh won their 100th Test in 2017, and white-ball matches at the Premadasa, Pallekele, Dambulla or Hambantota. Flights from Dhaka to Colombo take about three hours, and Sri Lanka is half an hour behind Bangladesh. Check the BCB and Sri Lanka Cricket for current schedules.
Key takeaways
- Bangladesh won their 100th Test at the P Sara Oval in March 2017.
- Tests are usually at Galle and in Colombo; white-ball at the Premadasa or Pallekele.
- Flights from Dhaka to Colombo take about three hours.
- Sri Lanka is half an hour behind Bangladesh.
- Bangladeshi passport holders need an ETA; check current rules.
Bangladesh in Sri Lanka
Bangladesh have toured Sri Lanka many times since gaining Test status in 2000. The proudest day came in March 2017, when they played their 100th Test at the P Sara Oval in Colombo and beat Sri Lanka, levelling the series. Many Bangladeshi fans who visit Colombo make a point of seeing the ground.
The two teams have also met in many white-ball series, Asia Cups and tournaments. In 2018, the Premadasa hosted the final of the Nidahas Trophy, a Twenty20 tournament in which Bangladesh reached the final against India, a match decided on the last ball.
The rivalry has grown fierce in recent years, with lively crowds on both sides, but fans generally mix well.
- →2017: the 100th Test win at the P Sara Oval.
- →2018: the Nidahas Trophy final at the Premadasa.
- →A rivalry that has grown in recent years.
The P Sara Oval
The P Sara Oval in Borella, home of the Tamil Union club, is small, old and intimate, and it is where Sri Lanka played its first Test in 1982. For Bangladeshi fans, it is also the scene of the 100th Test win, which makes it a place of pilgrimage.
The ground can usually be seen from the gate on non-match days, and entry is at the club's discretion. On match days, crowds are usually modest, and the atmosphere relaxed.
Borella is a short tuk-tuk ride from central Colombo, and the SSC and the other Cinnamon Gardens clubs are close by.
Other grounds
Galle, with its fort and ramparts, is the most memorable Test ground for any visiting fan. The SSC in Colombo has history and close views, and Pallekele near Kandy has grass banks and hills.
White-ball matches are usually at the Premadasa, the largest ground, or at Pallekele, Dambulla and Hambantota. An evening match under lights is a festive occasion.
Lankan Stays & Trails can plan a trip around Bangladesh's fixtures, with drivers between grounds and sightseeing in between.
- →Galle: fort and ramparts.
- →The SSC: history and close views.
- →The Premadasa: white-ball nights.
Practical tips for Bangladeshi fans
Flights from Dhaka to Colombo take about three hours, with direct and one-stop services. Bandaranaike International Airport is about 45 minutes to an hour from central Colombo and two and a half to three hours from Galle.
Bangladeshi passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before arrival; check the official site for current rules, fees and any waivers. Sri Lanka is half an hour behind Bangladesh, so jet lag is not an issue.
Sri Lankan rupees are needed for most purchases, and international cards work at many ATMs and hotels. Carry cash for tuk-tuks and food stalls at the grounds.
- →Flight from Dhaka: about three hours.
- →Entry: an ETA before arrival.
- →Time: 30 minutes behind Bangladesh.
Culture, food and faith
Sri Lanka has a significant Muslim community, with mosques in Colombo, Galle, Kandy and many towns, and halal food is widely available, especially in Colombo's Pettah and Slave Island districts and in Muslim-run restaurants across the island.
At Buddhist temples, cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats, and never pose with your back to a Buddha statue. Poya days, the monthly full-moon holidays, bring alcohol restrictions.
Sri Lankan food, with rice and curry, kottu and hoppers, will feel both familiar and new to Bangladeshi visitors.
- →Mosques: in Colombo and many towns.
- →Halal food: widely available.
- →Temples: cover up, shoes off.
Planning a trip
Because flights are short and there is little time difference, many Bangladeshi fans fly in for a match or a long weekend. Others combine a series with a week of sightseeing: Kandy and the tea country, Sigiriya and the ancient cities, or the south-coast beaches.
Check the BCB and Sri Lanka Cricket for current schedules, and book flights and hotels early for big series.
The companion pages cover each ground's history and the best places to sit.
- →Short trips: a match or a weekend.
- →Longer trips: add Kandy, Sigiriya or the beaches.
- →Book early for big series.
Frequently asked questions
Where did Bangladesh win their 100th Test?
Bangladesh won their 100th Test at the P Sara Oval in Borella, Colombo, in March 2017, beating Sri Lanka to level the series. The ground, home of the Tamil Union club, is also where Sri Lanka played its first Test in 1982.
Which Sri Lankan grounds does Bangladesh play at?
Bangladesh Tests in Sri Lanka have been played at Galle, the SSC, the P Sara Oval and Pallekele, among others. White-ball matches have been played at the Premadasa, Pallekele, Dambulla and Hambantota. Venues change from tour to tour.
How long is the flight from Dhaka to Colombo?
Flights from Dhaka to Colombo take about three hours, with direct and one-stop services. Bandaranaike International Airport is about 45 minutes to an hour from central Colombo, so a fan can fly in on the morning of a match if needed.
Do Bangladeshis need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Bangladeshi passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before arrival, applied for online through the official ETA site. Rules, fees and waivers change, so check them when you apply, and carry a passport valid for at least six months.
Is halal food available at Sri Lankan cricket grounds?
Food at grounds varies, so check what is on offer, but halal food is widely available in Colombo and across Sri Lanka, especially in Muslim-run restaurants and in districts such as Pettah and Slave Island. Many visitors eat before or after the match.
What is the time difference between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is half an hour behind Bangladesh, on UTC+5:30 against Bangladesh's UTC+6. There is no daylight saving in either country, so the difference is the same all year and jet lag is not an issue.
Are Bangladeshi fans welcome at Sri Lankan grounds?
Yes. The rivalry on the field has grown fierce in recent years, but Bangladeshi fans are generally welcomed and mix well with local supporters. Follow any instructions from officials, and enjoy the bands and the festive atmosphere.