Namal’s vision materialises
Namal Rajapaksa was the pioneer who first made the proposal of an international cricket stadium for the Hambantota district. A sportsman and a sports enthusiast Rajapaksa is also the Chairman of the youth movement ‘Tharunyata Hetak’, the group involved as coordinators in the logistics and technical aspects of the proposed international cricket stadium.
“Our aim was to include a fully fledged international cricket stadium at Hambantota along with the development plans for the area. Initially we identified a site at Hambantota but the place had to be used for another development project. Then we came across a site in Angunakolapelessa but logistically that was not a suitable location. Then our third site proved to be an ideal place because of its easy accessibility and then we settled on Sooriyawewa to be the place where the new stadium would come up. It’s an under-developed area but will be able to see a lot of changes in the near future,” Rajapaksa told The Nation in an exclusive interview.
According to the other development projects, the proposed international Airport is situated just 11 kilometres away from the international cricket stadium. With new roads coming up around the stadium, the location is expected to draw a large crowd according to Rajapaksa who has planned vast projects in the area targeting the youth.
“This is the second international cricket stadium in the dry zone apart from Dambulla. Unlike Dambulla there are many things to offer in and around the area. Spectators can make use of the eco-friendly surroundings and there are a few wild life sanctuaries located very close by as well as religious places of interest. Even to the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya it’s just 70 kilometres from Sooriyawewa. In a few years’ time this will be a highly developed area and would become an ideal tourist destination for locals and foreigners,” Rajapaksa added.
Plans have been drawn to include a hotel school, an international standard library, a vocational training centre and a fully fledged information technology centre around the area where the stadium is to come up. This stadium will also be a haven for 18 cricket playing schools in the area where the cricketers have not had the privilege to play on turf wickets. “This ground will be very helpful for the young cricketers in the area. With other facilities coming up the youngsters will not have to go further than their hometown to enjoy these amenities,” he added.
‘Tharunyata Hetak’ has been very much involved with this project since the very inception. The youth movement has played a major part in helping the project officials with document approvals and other needs. “Apart from the logistic and technical aspects we managed to obtain the Board of Investment (BOI) approval for the land. It was a major stepping stone for the project.”
Further according to Rajapaksa, arrangements are underway to start building at least two star class hotels in the area before the commencement of the 2011 ICC World Cup. “We are doing everything possible to promote tourism in the area. As the initial stage we have made a request from relevant authorities to upgrade all hotel rooms in the area. Further we received a positive confirmation from Star Cruise ships to dock one of their luxury ships which has 600 rooms during the period of World Cup in 2011 in Hambantota harbour. The company has agreed to corporate and they have confirmed their availability. It’s around 25 kilometres to the stadium from Hambantota and this will be a major boost for the visitors who are coming in from all over the world for the World Cup,” he stated.
However when The Nation queried as to what would the upcoming cricket stadium be named as, Rajapaksa disclosed that a suitable name will be chosen with the intention of promoting the area. “We have not finalised a name yet but it will definitely not be named after any individual. It will be a name that goes with the concept of promoting the area which is endowed with great facilities for eco tourism. Definitely a name with a local touch,” Rajapaksa highlighted. [MNA]
Namal Rajapaksa was the pioneer who first made the proposal of an international cricket stadium for the Hambantota district. A sportsman and a sports enthusiast Rajapaksa is also the Chairman of the youth movement ‘Tharunyata Hetak’, the group involved as coordinators in the logistics and technical aspects of the proposed international cricket stadium.
“Our aim was to include a fully fledged international cricket stadium at Hambantota along with the development plans for the area. Initially we identified a site at Hambantota but the place had to be used for another development project. Then we came across a site in Angunakolapelessa but logistically that was not a suitable location. Then our third site proved to be an ideal place because of its easy accessibility and then we settled on Sooriyawewa to be the place where the new stadium would come up. It’s an under-developed area but will be able to see a lot of changes in the near future,” Rajapaksa told The Nation in an exclusive interview.
According to the other development projects, the proposed international Airport is situated just 11 kilometres away from the international cricket stadium. With new roads coming up around the stadium, the location is expected to draw a large crowd according to Rajapaksa who has planned vast projects in the area targeting the youth.
“This is the second international cricket stadium in the dry zone apart from Dambulla. Unlike Dambulla there are many things to offer in and around the area. Spectators can make use of the eco-friendly surroundings and there are a few wild life sanctuaries located very close by as well as religious places of interest. Even to the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya it’s just 70 kilometres from Sooriyawewa. In a few years’ time this will be a highly developed area and would become an ideal tourist destination for locals and foreigners,” Rajapaksa added.
Plans have been drawn to include a hotel school, an international standard library, a vocational training centre and a fully fledged information technology centre around the area where the stadium is to come up. This stadium will also be a haven for 18 cricket playing schools in the area where the cricketers have not had the privilege to play on turf wickets. “This ground will be very helpful for the young cricketers in the area. With other facilities coming up the youngsters will not have to go further than their hometown to enjoy these amenities,” he added.
‘Tharunyata Hetak’ has been very much involved with this project since the very inception. The youth movement has played a major part in helping the project officials with document approvals and other needs. “Apart from the logistic and technical aspects we managed to obtain the Board of Investment (BOI) approval for the land. It was a major stepping stone for the project.”
Further according to Rajapaksa, arrangements are underway to start building at least two star class hotels in the area before the commencement of the 2011 ICC World Cup. “We are doing everything possible to promote tourism in the area. As the initial stage we have made a request from relevant authorities to upgrade all hotel rooms in the area. Further we received a positive confirmation from Star Cruise ships to dock one of their luxury ships which has 600 rooms during the period of World Cup in 2011 in Hambantota harbour. The company has agreed to corporate and they have confirmed their availability. It’s around 25 kilometres to the stadium from Hambantota and this will be a major boost for the visitors who are coming in from all over the world for the World Cup,” he stated.
However when The Nation queried as to what would the upcoming cricket stadium be named as, Rajapaksa disclosed that a suitable name will be chosen with the intention of promoting the area. “We have not finalised a name yet but it will definitely not be named after any individual. It will be a name that goes with the concept of promoting the area which is endowed with great facilities for eco tourism. Definitely a name with a local touch,” Rajapaksa highlighted. [MNA]
thnx 4da info
