England played in the first ever match in Dambulla

The stadium, 87miles north-east of Colombo, was build at an estimated cost of �2.5m to avoid the seasonal weather patterns which make cricket impossible in the capital for part of the year.

Opened when England last visited in March 2001, it was used only once before disputes over the awarding of building contracts and ownership of the land brought a two-year break.

The floodlights, installed at a cost of �165,000, mean all three matches in England's one-day series will be evening affairs, ending at around 1200 GMT.

England tour: Full itinerary

The other two matches of the series are scheduled for Premadassa Stadium in Colombo, until now the only venue in the country with lights.

Cricket board president Thilanga Sumathipala said Sri Lanka will now be able to host more international matches.

Australia's tour at the beginning of next year will now include five, up from three, one-day internationals, paying the bill for the new lights.

"Playing five one-day internationals against Australia is a huge success for us," Sumathipala said.

The board also expects �1.6m from England's tour, which also includes three Tests in December, through ticket sales and television rights.