President takes closer look at preparations

Makes surprise visit to stadium

Dinesh Weerawansa

GAMES: President Mahinda Rajapaksa took time off from his busy schedule to take a closer look at local preparations for the 10th South Asian Games.

He made a surprise visit to Sugathadasa Stadium Sports Complex - the main venue for the eight-nation Games, late Tuesday night.

Accompanied by the President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa went to the Sugathadasa Outdoor Stadium and other surrounding venues to get first hand information how Sri Lanka prepares for the 20-discipline Games which are due to commence on August 18.

He spoke to the NOC officials, a few members of the sub committees and general working staff assisting the organising Committee. President Rajapaksa, who heads the all-important Steering Committee of the 10th South Asian Games, said the Government would give every possible support and assistance to make the Games a big success.

He said the Government is providing over Rs. 600 million for the Games as an investment for the youth of this country who would get a golden opportunity of competing at a mega international event on home soil.

The Sugathadasa Outdoor Stadium, which would host the opening and closing ceremonies, will be renovated for the big occasion.

The track has been repaired. A new giant screen and an electronic timing system would be installed for the track and field competition of the SA Games.

President Rajapaksa spoke to Sri Lanka Olympic President and enquired about the problems faced by the organising committee. The President took immediate action and called on the relevant parties to solve most of the problems immediately.

The NOC President outlined the progress made by the Organising Committee and assured the President that all competition venues would be ready on schedule.

President Rajapaksa stressed the importance of hosting the best ever Games to show the unity and strength of our people. "This is a national venture, all communities should get united to show the strength of our people to the world. We will have to put up a collective effort to show both our organising and sports skills," he said.

President Rajapaksa also looked into the other shortcomings and other problems faced by the Games organisers and promised assistance to solve them.

Around 2,500 competitors and officials from eight countries will participate at the forthcoming Games which starts with a spectacular opening ceremony at Sugathadasa Stadium on August 18. President Rajapaksa stressed the importance of having an opening ceremony with Sri Lankan identity. He said the ceremony should depict the local culture and arts so that our foreign guests would get a taste of a true Sri Lankan style.

The Government also plans to give incentives to sportsmen and women who would win gold medals for Sri Lanka.

When Sri Lanka last hosted the Games way back in 1991, they won a total of 44 gold medals - Sri Lanka's best ever in the 22-year-old Games' history.

As in the past, Sri Lanka expects most number of gold medals in athletics.