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by Dinesh Weerawansa

Sri Lanka is ready to beat SARS infection scare in hosting its first ever Asian Grand Prix meeting in June. President of the National Olympic Committee, Hemasiri Fernando, who is also the chairman of the Airport & Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, said Colombo's BIA is ready to meet the challenge and that would obtain advanced equipment for medical tests.

Addressing a media conference in Colombo yesterday on the forthcoming Asian Grand prix series, the Lankan NOC chief ruled out any SARS fears. Details of the four-leg Asian Grand Prix 2003 Series was exclusively disclosed in these columns on Monday.

China's participation is doubtful as the world's highest population is battling the spreading of SARS, which has taken many lives there - second highest death toll in the world after Hong Kong, which was mainly focused on SARS.

Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Johnston Fernando said it will be a proud occasion for Sri Lanka to host its maiden international Grand Prix and that the Sports Ministry will give all possible support and encouragement to ensure the successful staging of the event. He said an international event of this nature would give Lankan athletes to compete on their home conditions.

AA of Sri Lanka President Sunil Jayaweera said they are confident of hosting the meet in a big way so that Sri Lanka would be a regular destination in the world Grand Prix series. He said they have made all initial arrangements to host 180 foreign athletes who will be coming to the Colombo leg on June 1 at Sugathadasa Stadium.

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