PM consults cricketers over controversial cricket stadium

20 May 2020 07:02 am - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will consult senior cricketers before making a final decision on whether the construction of a new international cricket stadium in Homagama will go ahead, after the project received a severe backlash on social media in recent days, with citizens questioning if this was the need of the hour.

The Daily Mirror learns that some senior players have objected to the construction of the stadium at the moment as it is a time when the country is trying to revive itself economically following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The backlash caused by the citizens, has also been bought to the Prime Minister’s attention.the land in Homagama handed over to Sri Lanka cricket, was done so with the aim of transforming the area into a sports city which will also include a sports university. However, plans were halted after the spread of the pandemic crippled the economy. Former MP Namal Rajapaksa told Daily Mirror that while infrastructure developments was vital for any sport, the construction of a new cricket stadium should not be a priority presently as the country’s economy was affected by the pandemic.“the authorities must always involve all stakeholders and get their opinion before taking the final decision,” Namal said.

His brother Yoshitha Rajapaksa, on his official twitter account called upon

Sri Lanka Cricket to put the funds to construct the new stadium to better use such as further developing the sport by launching projects in areas that lack infrastructure which will enable to hunt for more talent for the sport. Former cricketer Mahela Jayawardena has also criticized the move on his social media account stating Sri Lanka does not even play enough international cricket or domestic first class cricket in the existing stadiums. (JAMILA HUSAIN)

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Comments - 19

neil Wednesday, 20 May 2020 10:36 AM

Good, social media is driving. It need to be a unofficial regulator.

BigEars Wednesday, 20 May 2020 10:39 AM

Ali Baba caught on the wrong foot. The looting started even before the general elections. Reminds me of the bond scam.

Jehan Wednesday, 20 May 2020 11:05 AM

Get some education.

Leo Wednesday, 20 May 2020 11:33 AM

In Sri Lanka corruption accusations are like these. Building a road - hora hora. Building a port - hora hora. Building a sports stadium - hora hora. Doing nothing - good good.

SL Wednesday, 20 May 2020 10:40 AM

Hahahaha... Decision made by family, for the betterment of family... criticized by family for the to gain public sympathy.... Life is a rollacoster...just gotta ride it... "Ronin Keating"

Ananda Wednesday, 20 May 2020 11:00 AM

What a set of pathetic thieves

The Rest are Slaves Wednesday, 20 May 2020 11:02 AM

The thief will now say, we stopped the project because people protested ... family owned country

Devantha Amarasinghe Wednesday, 20 May 2020 11:08 AM

Build a national cricket academy instead of new stadium to develop our domestic and school cricket . In India they have NCA (National cricket academy ) in Banglore.

Hiran Wednesday, 20 May 2020 12:12 PM

This is the best project at this hour of need to earn Millions of Dollars to Cricket bosses private accounts in overseas. Corrupted officials got top seats in Sri Lanka cricket to make unnecessary things for Sri Lanka and make money......

Sarah Wednesday, 20 May 2020 12:14 PM

Just need to get the Rajapaksas out of government for good. Then Sri Lanka will flourish!

JeffK Wednesday, 20 May 2020 01:42 PM

like economic growth nose diving from 7% to 2%?

Simon Weerasuriya Wednesday, 20 May 2020 12:25 PM

Bandula Gunawardhana says that this is essentially a SLC project and doesn’t involve government funds. Udaya Gammanpila says that funds are offered by the ICC and that, if SLC doesn’t accept the offer, ICC will divert the funds to another country. If all that is true, why should the PM get involved in this?

RAVI Wednesday, 20 May 2020 12:29 PM

Accelerated development projects to earn a fast buck and not play cricket.

Andrew Silva Wednesday, 20 May 2020 12:37 PM

Looks like Mahinda is interested to play cricket. There could be a set back because his favourite action applying spit on the ball is prohibited by the ICC new rules.

Manjula Wednesday, 20 May 2020 01:07 PM

Why not ask fro ICC

Truth Wednesday, 20 May 2020 01:10 PM

Use that money to organize a tournament like IPL. Then our cricket standards will go up like india's. More local players will emerge and more competition for the national team.

Randy Wednesday, 20 May 2020 01:46 PM

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize the wastage of another white elephant, made to idle. What is there to consult?. LOL

Abey hetti Wednesday, 20 May 2020 07:06 PM

A family talk , family cricket ground, the family has enough players for a team to represent, they play. You losers can watch and cheer.

BuffaloaCitizen Wednesday, 20 May 2020 08:10 PM

This is called delayed ejaculation.

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PM consults cricketers over controversial cricket stadium

Comments - 19

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