Colombo ODIs moved to Pallekele

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has moved the second and third ODIs in the ongoing series against New Zealand from the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo to the Pallekele Stadium, because the Premadasa is under water after three weeks of monsoon rain.

Bad weather is forecast for both venues over the next two days, but it is expected to clear in time for the second ODI. The matches will be played on November 4 and 6 as scheduled. 
"The lake near the Premadasa Stadium has risen considerably due to rain and the water isn't draining away from the ground," SLC chief executive Ajit Jayasekara said. "We had sent out a letter to Ten Sports and New Zealand Cricket explaining the situation, and alerting them to the possibility of a venue change."

Sri Lanka is in the middle of its northeast monsoon, and the north of the country has also been battered by cyclone Nilam. The last time a tour was scheduled for November, all three Tests ended in rain-affected draws and the ODI series was postponed until the end of January. Both matches so far on this tour have also been rained out, with the first ODI on Thursday having been abandoned without a ball bowled. After the matches in Pallekele, the action moves to Hambantota for two more ODIs. Two Tests will follow, in Galle and at the SSC in Colombo.