Wedding receptions at Sooriyawewa Stadium: Dayasiri

24 February 2016 10:13 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Rs. 4.2 billion international cricket stadium built in a god-forsaken land in Sooriyawewa is being hired out for wedding receptions, Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera revealed in Parliament yesterday.

The revelation comes just days after Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the sports facility last weekend and had discussions with relevant authorities on how to maximise the utilisation of the stadium in the future.

Responding to an oral question raised by MP Hesha Vithanage, the Minister said the stadium is being hired out at a fee of rupees ten thousand. “ There are issues with the stadium that needs to be resolved, “ the Minister said.

The venue built to host some of the World Cup matches in 2011 has so far played host to 11 one day internationals and nine T20 matches since its inception in 2011.

The construction of the stadium in Hambantota was part of former regime’s ambitious plan to make city of Hambantota an international sporting hub, but abandoned plans when the city lost the bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Had Sri Lanka won the bid, the cricket stadium was to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the games.

Minister Jayasekara said the stadium should be made use of as a huge amount of funds had been spent for its construction.

“We cannot allow the stadium to go waste as a huge amount of funds have been spent for it,” he added.

However’ he said lack of hotels in the close proximity of the stadium had contributed to its low usage.“ The players have to travel a long way since there are no hotels close by,” he added.

He said Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had suggested that the stadium should be used for training purposes and this would be considered in the future. (Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 15

Vernon Wednesday, 24 February 2016 12:44 PM

If it is in a Godforsaken place, then who would want to have their wedding reception there.

Sharon Wednesday, 24 February 2016 01:32 PM

Well said Vernon :) :)

Sapu Wednesday, 24 February 2016 01:50 PM

Better Idea! turn it into a prison and jail all the Rajapaksa clam in it

Coconut Republic Wednesday, 24 February 2016 02:18 PM

An excellent comment

Rohan Wednesday, 24 February 2016 03:04 PM

Then Hambantota - now Megapolis.

karu Wednesday, 24 February 2016 03:50 PM

Why not convert it into a car park for Kataragama pilgrims and provide a shuttle service from here. It is hell out there with the stall owners claiming a life time free lease. via DM Android App

Lapaya Wednesday, 24 February 2016 03:59 PM

Truth hurts my friend. The only spectators in this stadium are wild animals.

Saranga Wednesday, 24 February 2016 06:04 PM

This type of revenue collection perhaps new to SL but this is done all around the world instead of sitting idle when no matches are played.

Saranga Wednesday, 24 February 2016 06:05 PM

Kataragama for what? Do something useful instead of wasting time there

Aquarius Wednesday, 24 February 2016 06:53 PM

A very practical comment. Pilgrims to Kataragama are experiencing a mafia controlled parking scheme. A shuttle service from Hambantota would be an idea if authorities can implement it.

Wesko Wednesday, 24 February 2016 06:54 PM

Well done- Sports Minister , show your colours ....

Modaya Wednesday, 24 February 2016 07:31 PM

Vernon, those who want to spend only ten thousand for a luxury wedding hall will go to any god forsaken place. Am sure you would too!

Eds Wednesday, 24 February 2016 07:33 PM

Watch your mouth you godless creature. The south is hallowed land where two saviours of our nation hail from!

Eds Wednesday, 24 February 2016 07:33 PM

Excellent!

Sharon Friday, 26 February 2016 02:21 PM

You are equally idiotic like the minister

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Wedding receptions at Sooriyawewa Stadium: Dayasiri

Comments - 15

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