By M Naushad Amit
Sri Lanka is on the verge of having its third floodlit international cricket stadium to coincide with the 2011 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup with host status obtained along with cricket’s latest powerhouse India and Bangladesh. The proposed cricket stadium for day/night matches situated in the remote area of Meegahajandura off Sooriyawewa, approximately 8 kilometres from the emerging commercial hub in Hambantota, is expected to come under inspection by the ICC World Cup officials in January 2010. Once the first phase of the stadium which includes laying of the turf pitches and grass along with other basic ICC ground requirements are completed, the venue will be used for inter-school and inter-provincial cricket matches. Afterwards, the upcoming stadium will have to play host for two or more One-Day International matches during a home series before the ICC finally decides to give the green light for hosting one of the World Cup semi-final matches. The stadium, still unnamed, is estimated to cost around 700 million Sri Lankan rupees and is a brainchild of the Tharunyata Hetak youth movement. It is considered as one of the projects in the area of Hambantota where a number of developments are initiated by the present government of Sri Lanka. Totally funded by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the first phase of construction began on May 17 this year according to the project coordinator Colonel Shanaka Ratnayake of Sri Lanka Army. Ratnayake who is appointed by the logistics partners of the project ‘Tharunyata Hetak’ said the location for the proposed international cricket stadium was identified by its President Namal Rajapaksa after the initially proposed site was taken over by Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) as a part of their Hambantota harbour expansion project.
“At first a location in the heart of Hambantota was selected and we cleared the surrounding area to begin with our work. But this location had to be given away to SLPA for one of their projects and after thorough consideration the current location was selected,” Ratnayake told The Nation.
The present location for the proposed stadium is situated on a 47-acre land. The location will be accessible from three major towns in the area but at present is only reachable from the Sooriyawewa-Thanamalwila main road. Though it is 8 kilometres from the Hambantota town, the stadium stands 204 kilometres away from the commercial capital of Sri Lanka - Colombo. A great deal of information of the surrounding area and the facilities of the proposed stadium were obtained from Ratnayake who briefed a group of journalists who visited the site last Tuesday (October 6).
“This stadium is part of the future developments in the Hambantota area and its suburbs. Construction of the stadium began in mid May soon after the project obtained the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. Within five months we have come a long way,” he added.
The stadium in Sooriyawewa is one of the three proposed venues for the 2011 ICC World Cup in Sri Lanka. Up to last Tuesday a portion of the playing area had been dug and raised to the required level where a group of 60 men attached to the Sri Lanka Army has worked hard in laying a 10-pitch turf in the centre of the ground. Along with turf nearly 12 kilometers of pipelines has been laid underneath the entire ground. These pipelines are the combined length of pipes used as the drainage system and water sprinklers. With the first phase of the stadium the dressing rooms for the teams and umpire rooms are set to complete.
“The Sri Lanka Army personnel will work until the first phase is completed and from then the China Harbour Engineering Company will take over to add the spectator stands. They will complete building the entire stadium under the auspices of SLPA. But there will be a set of coordinators appointed to supervise the entire project,” added Ratnayake.
The stadium is expected to fulfill the minimum ICC requirement of holding at least 30,000 spectators. However according to Ratnayake 35,000 spectators can be accommodated when the stadium construction is completed. The stadium will hold 3 mega scoreboards which will be elevated above the spectator stands. The main scoreboard is proposed to be manually controlled while the other two are state-of-the-art digital scoreboards. “The main idea of having all scoreboards above the stands is to accommodate the maximum number of spectators,” Ratnayake further added.
The grandstand alone will hold 8,000 spectators while 4,000 seats are to be completed with the first phase. Totally 20,000 permanent seats will be fixed while the standing pavilions have the capacity to hold 15,000 spectators. Floodlights are the main feature of the stadium and once totally completed it is expected to resemble a pearl shaped object. According to the project coordinator Ratnayake, the stadium will have an ample supply of water with three main resources around the site. The closely situated Meegahajandura Lake, three high capacity tube wells and an agricultural well will provide the stadium’s water requirements. In addition a separate line by the Water Board of Sri Lanka will be provided for consumption purposes.
With the development of the stadium few roads will boost up the current transportation system. Apart from the existing road which will be expanded as a 4-lane highway a ring road will be go around the ground which will have access from three points. According to Ratnayake, a car park with the capacity of holding over 300 vehicles at a time will be set up next to the stadium.
“The whole project is set to be completed by October 2010. By this time the ground will be utilised for domestic cricket matches. With the build up of the stadium a lot of other facilities are expected to be upgraded,” he said.
Sri Lanka is on the verge of having its third floodlit international cricket stadium to coincide with the 2011 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup with host status obtained along with cricket’s latest powerhouse India and Bangladesh. The proposed cricket stadium for day/night matches situated in the remote area of Meegahajandura off Sooriyawewa, approximately 8 kilometres from the emerging commercial hub in Hambantota, is expected to come under inspection by the ICC World Cup officials in January 2010. Once the first phase of the stadium which includes laying of the turf pitches and grass along with other basic ICC ground requirements are completed, the venue will be used for inter-school and inter-provincial cricket matches. Afterwards, the upcoming stadium will have to play host for two or more One-Day International matches during a home series before the ICC finally decides to give the green light for hosting one of the World Cup semi-final matches. The stadium, still unnamed, is estimated to cost around 700 million Sri Lankan rupees and is a brainchild of the Tharunyata Hetak youth movement. It is considered as one of the projects in the area of Hambantota where a number of developments are initiated by the present government of Sri Lanka. Totally funded by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the first phase of construction began on May 17 this year according to the project coordinator Colonel Shanaka Ratnayake of Sri Lanka Army. Ratnayake who is appointed by the logistics partners of the project ‘Tharunyata Hetak’ said the location for the proposed international cricket stadium was identified by its President Namal Rajapaksa after the initially proposed site was taken over by Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) as a part of their Hambantota harbour expansion project.
“At first a location in the heart of Hambantota was selected and we cleared the surrounding area to begin with our work. But this location had to be given away to SLPA for one of their projects and after thorough consideration the current location was selected,” Ratnayake told The Nation.
The present location for the proposed stadium is situated on a 47-acre land. The location will be accessible from three major towns in the area but at present is only reachable from the Sooriyawewa-Thanamalwila main road. Though it is 8 kilometres from the Hambantota town, the stadium stands 204 kilometres away from the commercial capital of Sri Lanka - Colombo. A great deal of information of the surrounding area and the facilities of the proposed stadium were obtained from Ratnayake who briefed a group of journalists who visited the site last Tuesday (October 6).
“This stadium is part of the future developments in the Hambantota area and its suburbs. Construction of the stadium began in mid May soon after the project obtained the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. Within five months we have come a long way,” he added.
The stadium in Sooriyawewa is one of the three proposed venues for the 2011 ICC World Cup in Sri Lanka. Up to last Tuesday a portion of the playing area had been dug and raised to the required level where a group of 60 men attached to the Sri Lanka Army has worked hard in laying a 10-pitch turf in the centre of the ground. Along with turf nearly 12 kilometers of pipelines has been laid underneath the entire ground. These pipelines are the combined length of pipes used as the drainage system and water sprinklers. With the first phase of the stadium the dressing rooms for the teams and umpire rooms are set to complete.
“The Sri Lanka Army personnel will work until the first phase is completed and from then the China Harbour Engineering Company will take over to add the spectator stands. They will complete building the entire stadium under the auspices of SLPA. But there will be a set of coordinators appointed to supervise the entire project,” added Ratnayake.
The stadium is expected to fulfill the minimum ICC requirement of holding at least 30,000 spectators. However according to Ratnayake 35,000 spectators can be accommodated when the stadium construction is completed. The stadium will hold 3 mega scoreboards which will be elevated above the spectator stands. The main scoreboard is proposed to be manually controlled while the other two are state-of-the-art digital scoreboards. “The main idea of having all scoreboards above the stands is to accommodate the maximum number of spectators,” Ratnayake further added.
The grandstand alone will hold 8,000 spectators while 4,000 seats are to be completed with the first phase. Totally 20,000 permanent seats will be fixed while the standing pavilions have the capacity to hold 15,000 spectators. Floodlights are the main feature of the stadium and once totally completed it is expected to resemble a pearl shaped object. According to the project coordinator Ratnayake, the stadium will have an ample supply of water with three main resources around the site. The closely situated Meegahajandura Lake, three high capacity tube wells and an agricultural well will provide the stadium’s water requirements. In addition a separate line by the Water Board of Sri Lanka will be provided for consumption purposes.
With the development of the stadium few roads will boost up the current transportation system. Apart from the existing road which will be expanded as a 4-lane highway a ring road will be go around the ground which will have access from three points. According to Ratnayake, a car park with the capacity of holding over 300 vehicles at a time will be set up next to the stadium.
“The whole project is set to be completed by October 2010. By this time the ground will be utilised for domestic cricket matches. With the build up of the stadium a lot of other facilities are expected to be upgraded,” he said.
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]
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]
Dandeniya confident Sooriyawewa Stadium will be ready on timeSuraj Dandeniya who is the tournament director for the 2011 ICC World Cup is also involved with the Sooriyawewa cricket stadium project. Dandeniya who is quite confident that the project will meet the deadline before scheduled time said the second phase of the scheme will begin within the next ten days. “The first phase of the project was taken over by the Sri Lanka Army and it is nearing completion. They have done a marvellous job in laying the 10-strip turf wicket and other basic needs of the ground structure. The second phase is done by Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and a major part of the project will be handled by Chinese specialists. We are certain that with the rapid work being done at present the stadium can be completed to host a few ODIs before the targeted World Cup semi-final,” he said.
Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed two curators to supervise the first phase of the project which involves the ground, water inflow and outflow systems and the pitches. If work continues without interruption the entire project has been estimated to be completed by October 2010, a few months prior to the 2011 ICC World Cup. However a few changes are to be made from the original plan of the stadium structure which was drawn by the Chinese specialists.
“A structural alteration will occur from the original plan. Other than that everything will go ahead as it was planned originally,” he added.
Dandeniya further revealed that all activities and transactions are done with transparency. Their whole purpose is to meet the scheduled deadline and see Sri Lanka host a World Cup semi-final at a unique venue which can be matched up with venues in Australia and England.
“We have proposed three venues for the World Cup in 2011, the R Premadasa Stadium, the under-construction Pallakele ground in Kandy and this stadium in Sooriyawewa. However Rangiri Dambulla Stadium has been named as an optional venue in case of need. But with the pace of work taking place, Sooriyawewa will definitely host one of the World Cup semi-finals,” Dandeniya opined.
Dandeniya said Sooriyawewa was one of the best locations Sri Lanka could provide in building up an international cricket venue. With the area being developed to be a commercial centre in the southern part of Sri Lanka, Sooriyawewa has much to offer the visiting cricket fans from around the world according to him.
“Most of the tourist hotels around the area will be upgraded to 4 or 5 star in the near future. Apart from Dambulla this is another area where Sri Lanka gets less rain. Within the next 5 to 6 years Hambantota district will be developed. All these make this location an ideal place to have an international cricket venue.”
Floodlights will be a main feature apart from a few other latest additions at this stadium. The ICC requirements will meet with state-of-the-art umpire’s rooms, match referees rooms and an anti doping testing room which will be the latest in the world. Further the stadium will be featured as an eco-friendly venue which is considered to be one of the first with such concepts. Dandeliya said there is adequate funding available to complete the stadium without hindrance.
“Sri Lanka will earn US $ 25 million as part of World Cup hosting fees. This money will be enough to fund developing new venues in the country. All are working very hard to complete the stadium before time and we are certain of achieving our deadlines,” Dandeniya confirmed. [MNA]
Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed two curators to supervise the first phase of the project which involves the ground, water inflow and outflow systems and the pitches. If work continues without interruption the entire project has been estimated to be completed by October 2010, a few months prior to the 2011 ICC World Cup. However a few changes are to be made from the original plan of the stadium structure which was drawn by the Chinese specialists.
“A structural alteration will occur from the original plan. Other than that everything will go ahead as it was planned originally,” he added.
Dandeniya further revealed that all activities and transactions are done with transparency. Their whole purpose is to meet the scheduled deadline and see Sri Lanka host a World Cup semi-final at a unique venue which can be matched up with venues in Australia and England.
“We have proposed three venues for the World Cup in 2011, the R Premadasa Stadium, the under-construction Pallakele ground in Kandy and this stadium in Sooriyawewa. However Rangiri Dambulla Stadium has been named as an optional venue in case of need. But with the pace of work taking place, Sooriyawewa will definitely host one of the World Cup semi-finals,” Dandeniya opined.
Dandeniya said Sooriyawewa was one of the best locations Sri Lanka could provide in building up an international cricket venue. With the area being developed to be a commercial centre in the southern part of Sri Lanka, Sooriyawewa has much to offer the visiting cricket fans from around the world according to him.
“Most of the tourist hotels around the area will be upgraded to 4 or 5 star in the near future. Apart from Dambulla this is another area where Sri Lanka gets less rain. Within the next 5 to 6 years Hambantota district will be developed. All these make this location an ideal place to have an international cricket venue.”
Floodlights will be a main feature apart from a few other latest additions at this stadium. The ICC requirements will meet with state-of-the-art umpire’s rooms, match referees rooms and an anti doping testing room which will be the latest in the world. Further the stadium will be featured as an eco-friendly venue which is considered to be one of the first with such concepts. Dandeliya said there is adequate funding available to complete the stadium without hindrance.
“Sri Lanka will earn US $ 25 million as part of World Cup hosting fees. This money will be enough to fund developing new venues in the country. All are working very hard to complete the stadium before time and we are certain of achieving our deadlines,” Dandeniya confirmed. [MNA]
ICC requirements can be met - Ranatunga One of the International Cricket Council (ICC) requirements for an international cricket venue is the distance to the venue from the place that teams participating are accommodated. It is said that the venue should be reachable within 45 minutes from the hotel where the teams are accommodated. Nishantha Ranatunga, the Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said when construction began all these requirements were taken into consideration by the governing body of the sport in the country.
“The requirement says the hotels should be a minimum of four-star class and above and they should have at least 250 rooms. All these requirements can be fulfilled with the Sooriyawewa cricket stadium project. Currently there are four-star class hotels situated around the area and all are within 35 minutes reach with the current road conditions. The roads will be developed by the time of completion and the traveling duration will be less than at present,” Ranatunga said.
Ranatunga further revealed that once the initial phase meets the completion in January 2010 domestic cricket will be played as a start. To win the bid of hosting a World Cup semi-final in 2011, Sri Lanka must host at least one ODI match according to the minimum ICC requirement. Ranatunga said however that at least three ODI matches will take place before that.
“West Indies are scheduled to tour Sri Lanka in November 2010 according to the Future Tour Programme. Things have not been finalised yet but we are looking at possibilities of playing at least 3 ODI matches here at Sooriyawewa,” he added. [MNA]
“The requirement says the hotels should be a minimum of four-star class and above and they should have at least 250 rooms. All these requirements can be fulfilled with the Sooriyawewa cricket stadium project. Currently there are four-star class hotels situated around the area and all are within 35 minutes reach with the current road conditions. The roads will be developed by the time of completion and the traveling duration will be less than at present,” Ranatunga said.
Ranatunga further revealed that once the initial phase meets the completion in January 2010 domestic cricket will be played as a start. To win the bid of hosting a World Cup semi-final in 2011, Sri Lanka must host at least one ODI match according to the minimum ICC requirement. Ranatunga said however that at least three ODI matches will take place before that.
“West Indies are scheduled to tour Sri Lanka in November 2010 according to the Future Tour Programme. Things have not been finalised yet but we are looking at possibilities of playing at least 3 ODI matches here at Sooriyawewa,” he added. [MNA]
