Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday suspended proposed International Cricket Stadium project in Homagama after discussion with former players. Rajapaksa met senior cricketers today at Temple Trees to discuss the proposed Homagama International Cricket stadium. Senior Cricketers Sanath Jayasuriya, Roshan Mahanama, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardana and Lasith Malinga participated in the meeting which was also attended by SLC president Shammi Silva and his associates.
“It has been decided to suspend the proposed new International Cricket Stadium project in Homagama” Prime Minister’s Media unit said in a media statement after the meeting.
On May 17, the Government announced that Sri Lanka’s biggest cricket stadium to be constructed in Homagama. Cabinet co-spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development Priyath Bandu Wickrama visited the proposed land allocated to build the land along with Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva.
The announcement was widely criticized, not only by the cricket fans, but also by the legendary former Sri Lanka players Arjuna Ranatunga, Roshan Mahanama and Mahela Jayawardene, who questioned the decision to construct another international cricket stadium in the country.
In response, the SLC yesterday made it clear through a media statement that the project is 100% funded by board with long term loans. The SLC has further clarified that Only the land is given but no funds will be allocated by the Government.
