The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) today (31) ceremonially laid the foundation stone for a FIFA Arena Mini Pitch in Negombo, marking a major step forward in the nation’s grassroots football development.
The FIFA Arena initiative is a global program that will see over 1,000 mini pitches installed worldwide in the next two years to promote inclusive access to football. Sri Lanka has been selected as one of three Asian countries for the pilot phase, receiving two pitches, one in Kotte and the other in Negombo.
The ceremony in Negombo was led by Hon. Deputy Minister of Sports Sugath Tilakaratna, alongside FFSL President, the Mayor of Negombo, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries. The facility is designed to provide free access to underprivileged children and school communities, offering a safe, modern, and structured space to enjoy the game.
Beyond sporting development, the project aims to combat social challenges such as drug abuse, while fostering leadership, discipline, sportsmanship, and a healthy lifestyle among local youth.
Construction is expected to be completed by March, after which the pitch will be officially opened to the community, delivering long-term social and sporting benefits to the Negombo region and wider Sri Lankan football ecosystem.
