The roof on a makeshift grandstand at Galle International Stadium has collapsed amid strong winds and heavy rain which put day two of the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka in doubt.
Rain began falling around 90 minutes before the scheduled start of play on Thursday, with strong gusts blowing in off the coastline.
A heavy wind warning has since been issued for the Galle region, with the area expecting gusts in excess of 60km/h later in the day.
Australia's team considered returning to their hotel but decided to stay at the ground with some hope play could resume later in the afternoon.
Ground staff managed to keep the entire ground covered as they battled to put tyres over large tarpaulin covers to keep them on the grass.
But the bigger challenge could be outside the boundary.
Metal sheets on the temporary eastern stand began blowing off around an hour before play, before the entire roof buckled and collapsed.
The metal had only been secured by rope in the days before the game to cover a small concreted seating area, and the site has lain in ruins for more than two hours.
No spectators were inside the makeshift structure at the time it collapsed.
A large glass panel at the front of a marquee, which hosted tour groups on day one, also fell and smashed.
Officials worked through the wind to bring down the sightscreen at the northern end, while parts of banners attached to the fence at the southern end fell down.
The SEN radio box was situated under a marquee on a roof at the ground, but has since been taken inside.
Australia face a crucial first hour when they eventually get back on, after going to stumps at 3-98 in reply to Sri Lanka's 212.
Only bad weather can prevent a result in the match after 13 wickets fell on day one and a three-day Test is predicted due to the pitch conditions.
