Narendra Modi, Maithripala Sirisena inaugurate renovated stadium in Jaffna

New Delhi, June 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena inaugurated newly-renovated Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna on Saturday.

While Sirisena was present at the stadium in Jaffna, Modi joined the event through video-conferencing from New Delhi.

Modi said that Indian government with Sirisena jointly dedicate to the people of Sri Lanka the newly-renovated Duraiappah Stadium.

PM Modi &SL President Maithripala Sirisena jointly inaugurate renovated Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna pic.twitter.com/jdiRmXBiqy

— ANI (@ANI_news) June 18, 2016

The Duraiappah Stadium, named in honour of a former mayor of Jaffna, late Alfred Thambirajah Duraiappah, has been renovated by the Indian government at a cost of over Rs 7 crore ($1 million).

Students in Jaffna(Sri Lanka) practice Yoga ahead of World Yoga Day pic.twitter.com/e7B5pBnhUG

— ANI (@ANI_news) June 18, 2016

The renovated stadium has a seating capacity of 1,850. It will provide the necessary infrastructure to promote sports and recreational activities, and assist the overall development of the youth of the northern province in Sri Lanka.

The stadium was not in use since 1997.

On the second International Day of Yoga on June 21, Modi and Sirisena will also witness the first major event at the renovated stadium.

Over 8,000 people are expected to participate in the Yoga day celebrations.

IANS