Mahanama objects Govt’s Matara Int. cricket training school & stadium plan
Former cricketer and National Sports Council member Roshan Mahanama has raised concerns over the government’s decision to construct an international cricket training school and stadium in Matara.Mahanama stated that he had previously shared similar views when invited to discuss such matters with former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in May 2020.He emphasized that rather than investing in new cricket stadiums, available funds should be allocated to upgrading existing facilities to better support young cricketers across the country.
The preliminary work for the Matara Polhena International Cricket Training School and Stadium is expected to be completed within a month, Minister Sunil Handuneththi announced recently. A meeting was held last week at the Matara District Secretariat under the leadership of Minister Sunil Handuneththi, with the participation of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials and other relevant stakeholders to expedite the project.
“I strongly believe that the need of the hour and utilization of valuable funds should not be channelled to build new, expensive cricket stadiums in our nation. We have many grounds used from Division one to school level spread all over the country, especially from Moratuwa to Hambantota in the down south region and these funds would be much better utilized in a cohesive national plan to elevate selected facilities to the next level and develop other existing facilities to a level where children can train and grow their skills closer to home/school. This will definitely benefit a larger talent pool and create a more sustainable impact over the years. Unfortunately, the motives and purpose behind these new mega developments need to be scrutinized and questioned as they may have vested interests and not focused purely on the development of budding talent or following a validated ROI or cost-benefit analysis. I believe this is a matter worthy of the attention of the current President and Prime Minister, to ensure the right objective are at the forefront and the principles of clean Sri Lanka are followed” Roshan Mahanama said.
