Roshan questions decision to construct new cricket stadium in Matara

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Roshan Mahanama has questioned the decision to construct a new cricket training school and stadium in Matara.

Mahanama says the need of the hour and utilization of valuable funds should not be channelled to build new, expensive cricket stadiums in Sri Lanka.

He was responding to reports that the preliminary work required to commence the construction of the Matara Polhena International Cricket Training School and Stadium is set to be completed within a month.

A discussion in this regard was held 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.

“I am moved to share my thoughts on the recent news article outlining the construction of the Matara International Cricket Training School & Stadium. I shared similar feedback when I was invited to share my thoughts on such matters in front of the former Prime Minister (Mahinda Rajapakse) in May 2020,” Mahanama said.

He said Sri Lanka has so 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,” Mahanama said.

Mahanama believes 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. (Colombo Gazette)