President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived at the stadium to witness the high-stakes cricket encounter between India and Pakistan currently under way in Sri Lanka.

He was received at the venue by Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva.

Sri Lanka is serving as a co-host of the ongoing Cricket World Cup tournament, and the India–Pakistan fixture is being played on Sri Lankan soil.

Earlier, the Government of Pakistan had reportedly informed its national team to refrain from participating in the match in Sri Lanka. However, during a special telephone conversation held on 9 February between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the President made a cordial appeal requesting Pakistan’s participation.

Following that discussion, Pakistan agreed to reverse its earlier decision.

In response to the President’s request, Prime Minister Sharif officially informed the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board to ensure that the team takes part in the scheduled match against India, emphasising the importance of safeguarding the spirit of cricket.

In a post on his official X account, President Dissanayake noted that Sri Lanka would never forget the support extended by India and Pakistan to protect Sri Lankan cricket during the 1996 World Cup and at a time when the country was affected by terrorism.