Former Sri Lankan fast bowler and President of Matara Sports Club, Pramodya Wickramasinghe, has dismissed controversy surrounding proposed Matara International Cricket Training School and Stadium, stating that the project has been misrepresented.
A discussion regarding expediting the project was held on March 13 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. The meeting concluded with a decision to coordinate with necessary government institutions to facilitate the project’s swift initiation.
However, 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.
While, addressing the concerns, Pramodya said:
Recent discussions regarding the proposed Matara International Cricket Training School and Stadium have sparked various opinions, including concerns raised by former cricketer Roshan Mahanama. As someone deeply involved in cricket development in the Southern Province, I, Pramodya Wickramasinghe, would like to clarify the true purpose and objectives of this initiative.
Matara has historically been a breeding ground for talented cricketers, producing national-level players over the years. However, in recent times, the region’s contribution to the national cricketing pipeline has declined. One of the major reasons for this is the lack of a dedicated, well-maintained cricket facility that can support the continuous development of young players. The Uyanwatte Stadium, the main cricketing venue in Matara, is a multi-purpose ground used for various sports, making it difficult to maintain the turf at the standard required for first-class cricket. Despite all these, the issue remained unsolved till date.
As the President of the Matara Sports Club, I became acutely aware of these challenges and the urgent need to address them. Coincidentally, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had been exploring the establishment of High-Performance Centers (HPC) in every province to enhance cricketing infrastructure across the country.
Therefore, this development will cover both requirements for the district of Matara and the Southern Province. Given that Galle International Stadium faces restrictions due to UNESCO heritage site regulations and the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium (MRICS) in Hambantota is situated far from Colombo, I proposed that Matara be considered as the location for the Southern Province’s High-Performance Center.
To facilitate this initiative, I brought the matter to the attention of Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, who is the President of the Matara District Development Committee, a suitable land was allocated for the project. However, certain individuals within the cricketing fraternity, in an apparent attempt to claim undue credit, misrepresented this initiative as the construction of an international cricket stadium. This misinformation has unfortunately led to unwarranted criticism from personalities such as Roshan Mahanama, who may not have been fully informed of the project’s actual scope and intent.
It is essential to emphasize that this is not a venture aimed at building an extravagant stadium but rather an initiative to develop a structured, high-performance facility that will serve as a training and development hub for young cricketers in the Southern province.
By establishing such centers across the country, SLC aims to provide equal opportunities for aspiring cricketers, allowing them to hone their skills without having to relocate to Colombo or other major cities. Additionally, this development will enable schools and clubs of the Southern Province to access top-tier training facilities that were previously unavailable. It will also allow Sri Lanka A team matches and other second-tier fixtures to be hosted in Matara, further enhancing the region’s cricketing significance.
The objective is to produce well-rounded, high-performing cricketers who can contribute to the national system at various levels.
I urge all stakeholders, including former cricketers and the public, to understand the genuine need for this project and the positive impact it will have on cricket development in the region. Constructive dialogue based on facts rather than misinformation will ensure that Sri Lanka’s cricketing future is strengthened through well-planned and well-executed initiatives.
Let us work together towards the true development of our cricketing infrastructure, focusing on the future of our young talent rather than being swayed by misconceptions.
