Homagama stadium project suspended

21 May 2020 05:00 pm - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The proposed new International Cricket Stadium project in Homagama has been suspended, the Prime Minister's Media Division said today.

The decision has been made following a meeting held between Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and several Senior Cricketers this morning.

The Senior Cricketers have suggested to upgrade school cricket facilities instead and to improve cricket as a sport at the national level.

Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Sanath Jayasuriya, Roshan Mahanama and Lasith Malinga were present at the meeting. The project met with heavy criticism by many and several cricketers also raised concerns about the project. Former Cricket captain Mahela Jayawardena earlier this week tweeted, "We don’t even play enough international cricket or domestic first class cricket in the existing stadiums we have..Do we need another one?,” Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket in a statement on Monday said the 'project will be an absolute and private investment of SLC and no government funds will be utilized and/or will be sought at any stage of the construction.' (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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Comments - 19

varuna Thursday, 21 May 2020 05:49 PM

The complete scenario was just a "staged" drama to divert the attention of the general public from the COVID-19 and to boost the image of the government. They very well knew that there would be a public backlash for this project. Now the government can say that "we listened to the voice of the public and therefore, our government is a peoples' government". Further, look at the wording. The project is "suspended" and NOT "abandoned"!

Ranjith Thursday, 21 May 2020 05:52 PM

People don't have money to have a meal a day this is not the time to build cricket grounds, highways and all extravagance work of the government first election promises give hope to the people

Cleaner Thursday, 21 May 2020 05:55 PM

Too much drama.. we are aleays good at wasting time and public funds for these sort of intentionally created stunts.. waste of electricity, fuel and a whloe day of productivity of many people.. wasteful.. simple.

Frank Demon Silva Thursday, 21 May 2020 05:56 PM

if this is a private project why all these government officials interested and, talking and getting opinion?

Sam Thursday, 21 May 2020 06:02 PM

JAYAWEWA. HELLO BANDULA RETURN YOUR COMMISSION AND GO HOME AND RELAX OR GO FOR FOURTEEN DAYS QUARANTINE

S.H.Moulana Thursday, 21 May 2020 06:22 PM

Gooid news.

SKM Thursday, 21 May 2020 06:25 PM

If SLC says "project will be an absolute and private investment of SLC and no government funds will be utilized and/or will be sought at any stage of the construction", why did Bandula G jumped into announce it? If it is SLC project, how can MR say it was suspended? Searching for a project to have a name board of you know who.

Farook Thursday, 21 May 2020 06:41 PM

This money should be given to the people who are affected very badly due to the floods n COVID 19

karu Thursday, 21 May 2020 07:10 PM

Pinch the baby and rock the cradle

Sunil Thursday, 21 May 2020 07:48 PM

Sounds like the Government paying someone in SLC to make these statements...so they can have more money in their pockets...don't worry about the people currently suffering in the crisis

Deceived Citizen Thursday, 21 May 2020 08:10 PM

Oh... it is SUSPENDED, and NOT cancelled ......? Who is going to deceive whom ??? After the elections, things will reactivated as usual. Can you all imagine in the middle of the protests, car races along Dalada Veediya were suspended! However, once the public attention was reduced, they have done what they wanted!!!!

lk Friday, 22 May 2020 09:00 AM

you do know the project was introduced in 2016 right.. was "suspended" then also, not cancelled.. its "suspended" now as well, not cancelled. calm down you unp slaves

Dee Thursday, 21 May 2020 10:26 PM

Please have election soon. We want to give 2/3 majority so that 'development' projects like this stadium will take the country forward. We should not bow down to the ideas of those backing the opposition who are trying to take this 'nation' backwards!

Human Uttaris Friday, 22 May 2020 06:53 AM

So what on earth will they do with the COVID19 funds raised with public money held on government institutions?

DJ Friday, 22 May 2020 07:08 AM

Too late the damage is done. Clearly portrays what an inhuman govt., we have. Not forgetting the beach repair and lost money in a stupid development project without environmental approvals

suranga Friday, 22 May 2020 08:56 AM

why only suspended and not abandoned

Arundathi Nawsi Friday, 22 May 2020 08:58 AM

This site at Homagama can be used to shift the present Welikada Prison.

Rajakaruna Dompe. Friday, 22 May 2020 10:04 AM

How about 100km road project in Hambantota district? They have enough funds to make roads and to share the commission. Shame. All old culprits are back on same seats. Is this the difference we looked forward.?

CITIZEN Friday, 22 May 2020 01:06 PM

THE GOVT OR SLC CAN NOW INVEST SOME MONEY TO BUILD A "HOME FOR RETIRED POLITICIANS" UNTIL THAT FACILITY IS AVAILABLE THEY WILL NOT RETIRE AND HOLD ON TO THE OFFICIAL LIST OF PRIVILEGES

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Homagama stadium project suspended

Comments - 19

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