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| Saturday, 9 August 2003 |
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SSC to get super class status By Sa'adi Thawfeeq One of the leading international cricket venues in Sri Lanka, the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) is to be upgraded to super class status by the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL). Recent talks between BCCSL president Thilanga Sumathipala and SSC president Daya Perera, PC, who also heads the club's infrastructure development committee resulted in provisions being made to upgrade the SSC to a venue equal to that at Lord's, London with plans to install a digital scoreboard, floodlights and the construction of modern dressing rooms and covered stands with all facilities for spectator comfort. The BCCSL will further install a sprinkler system similar to that at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium. This will be the first stage of the proposed plans and is expected to be complete in time for the third and final cricket Test between Sri Lanka and England in December this year. BCCSL secretary Mohan de Silva said the second stage will see the construction of a Century Pavilion replacing the existing pavilion which will then be used for local matches. "The installation of floodlights and digital scoreboards will be done in stages over a period of time," said de Silva, who revealed that the entire project would cost the BCCSL anything between Rs. 200-500 million. The digital scoreboard is expected to be ready in time for South Africa's tour here next July. Presently, only the R. Premadasa Stadium has facilities to host day-night matches. De Silva however sounded a warning note and said that all these proposals would depend on the financial situation of the BCCSL. Presently, the BCCSL is having a legal battle on their hands to overcome a US$11 million law suit brought against them by television company WSG Nimbus. De Silva, who is also member of the SSC, further indicated that the BCCSL ExCo had decided to develop its headquarters with a dining/reception hall, spectator seating with corporate boxes and a museum to support SSC as a venue. BCCSL architect for this project Suchith Mohotti is to develop a master plan in consultation with the SSC. De Silva said that SSC president Daya Perera has assured the BCCSL of their fullest co-operation and to work closely with the Cricket Board to ensure the successful completion of the project. "By upgrading the facilities at SSC we are keeping abreast of other Test playing countries and providing the opportunity of using SSC as a neutral venue for international matches, if the need arises," said De Silva. With so much money being pumped in SSC at least have been assured that they will get a minimum of one Test and one one-day international match on every tour that is made to this country. SSC has been used as a one-day international venue since 1982 and a Test venue since 1984. The club has produced the majority of Sri Lanka's Test and one-day cricketers including Anura Tennekoon, Duleep Mendis, Arjuna Ranatunga, and Marvan Atapattu who have gone on to captain the country with honour. |
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