Suspension of indoor nets project: Wettimuny hits out at SLC ..

Former Sri Lanka Cricket interim committee chairman Sidath Wettimuny expressed shock and disappointment at the decision taken by the newly elected body of Sri Lanka Cricket to suspend the construction of indoor net facilities at three international cricket venues.

“I am totally disappointed that such a project has been stopped. These are projects which the cricket committee where Mahela Jayawardene, Michael Tissera, Kapila Wijegunawardene and me, we all came up with it because we felt it was vital for the overall plan in developing our cricket to bring in the youth to train and develop in these areas. It is a huge blow for cricket,” said Wettimuny.

SLC on Wednesday said in a media release that it had decided to temporarily suspend construction of the indoor nets projects at the R Premadasa Stadium (Khettarama), Pallekele and Dambulla due to SLC not obtaining approvals from the relevant authorities.

The release further stated that SLC would re-assess the high costs involved in construction (Rs. 248 million) and the space allocation at the respective venues.

Reacting to the allegations that the interim committee had not obtained approvals from the relevant authorities Wettimuny stated, “For the project the provision of Rs 248 million is already in the budget. In 2006 and in 2010 when they built the Khettarama Stadium they applied to the Colombo Municipal Council to get an assessment number and they never got it. We also applied and it never came. But we are under the Sugathadasa Stadium Committee who owns the property which has been leased to SLC. We got written approval to go ahead with the construction. When we brought the trees down we got the approval from the Pradeshiya Sabha.

“Pallekele belongs to the BOI (Board of Investment) and we have got BOI approval. It was on a BOI project that the stadium was built, even the BOI board guys came to our opening ceremony. According to my chief engineer there was no need to get anybody’s approval because it is developed by the board.

“Dambulla we had to get permission from the chief monk who owns the land. We obtained permission from him and he was even invited for the opening ceremony. He gave a speech saying that after so many years some good has been done for this area where thousands of children will benefit because they don’t have any place to go and hire and practice.

“The Sports Minister himself came for both opening ceremonies at Pallekele and Dambulla and said virtually the same thing.”

Explaining further Wettimuny said, “First they said there were no cash, then no parking space. For five days of international cricket they are depriving 360 days of fantastic training opportunities for cricketers. There is no logic it is basically to hit at the interim committee. Ultimately it is the cricketers who suffer from such petty mindedness.”

“Imagine the number of cricketers who will be deprived of the facilities in Kandy and Dambulla. I am baffled as to why such a decision has been taken because the end result must be that cricket should benefit and nothing else,” said Wettimuny.

“It’s a crying shame that such things can be done for petty reasons. Nobody has asked anyone to stop the work. They are finding petty excuses to stop a project started by the interim committee. It’s an absolute crime and a national shame to do a thing like this.”