Former Sri Lankan cricketer and National Sports Council member Roshan Mahanama has voiced concerns over the government’s decision to construct an international cricket training school and stadium in Matara.
Mahanama revealed that he had previously expressed similar views in May 2020 when he was invited to discuss sports development with former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. He emphasized that instead of investing in new cricket stadiums, the available funds should be utilized to upgrade and improve existing cricketing facilities across the country, which would provide better support to young and aspiring cricketers.
Sports Minister Sunil Handunetti recently announced that initial construction work on the Matara Polhena International Cricket Training School and Stadium is expected to be completed within a month. A meeting was held last week at the Matara District Secretariat, chaired by Minister Handunetti, with the participation of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials and other stakeholders to accelerate the project.
Mahanama, however, strongly opposes the move, arguing that Sri Lanka already has sufficient cricket stadiums, particularly in the southern region, spanning from Moratuwa to Hambantota. He suggested that the funds earmarked for the new facility could be better used in a comprehensive national strategy to upgrade existing stadiums and training centers.
“I strongly believe that the need of the hour is not to construct expensive cricket stadiums, but to utilize available resources efficiently to enhance current facilities,” Mahanama said. “We have numerous stadiums at different levels across the country. Instead of spending on new projects, these funds should be allocated to improving and modernizing selected facilities, ensuring they are accessible for young cricketers closer to home and school. This approach would benefit a larger number of players and create a more sustainable impact over time.”
He further stressed the importance of transparency in decision-making when it comes to sports infrastructure development. “The intentions and purposes behind these large-scale projects should be carefully examined and questioned by the right people. It is essential to ensure that decisions are made with the best interests of Sri Lankan cricket in mind,” he added.
Mahanama also called on the current President and Prime Minister to intervene and reassess the project, urging them to implement policies that focus on long-term sports development rather than short-term political gains.
“I am confident that the President and Prime Minister will prioritize the right objectives and work towards a clean and transparent Sri Lanka in sports governance,” Mahanama concluded.
