A modern soccer stadium for Tangalle

Hambantota District Sports Development Foundation formed

by Dinesh Weerawansa

NEW STADIUM: Tangalle will get an ultra modern football stadium while two other soccer and athletic stadia would be constructed in Beliatta as premier projects that would come under the newly formed Hambantota District Sports Development Foundation (HDSDF).

Deputy President of the HDSF, SSP Upali Hewage said Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Tangalle will be redeveloped to international standards under a special project sponsored by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka.

SSP Hewage, who is in-charge of the Tangalle Division, said the FFSL will fund Rs. 1.9 million to renovate the stadium and grounds at Tangalle. "When we spoke to the Asian Football Confederation Vice President and former FFSL President Manilal Fernando, he willingly came forward to support us. It will be a big boost for the development of soccer in Southern Province," he said.

The redevelopment of Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium would be a blessing for the schools and clubs in Tangalle District. The move would also attract top grade competitive soccer to Southern Province as the ground would now become one of the best in Sri Lanka. SSP Hewage, the former Thurstanite sportsman who has also been involved in sports promotion at school level in a big way, said the HDSDF has already made plans for several sports development projects in Hambantota District.

The FFSL, which would play a key role in upgrading Rajapaksa Stadium to top level, will also launch a special program to further popularise the sport in the district. The FFSL will conduct workshops in 18 leading schools in the district to educate pupils and teachers. All 18 schools would also get soccer gear to promote the game at junior and intermediate level. The three-day workshop will commence at Rajapaksa Vidyalaya, Weeraketiya on January 27.

The HDSDF was formed recently at Hambantota GS's office to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa's vision to promote sports at rural level. Former Sri Lanka Youth and S.Thomas' rugby captain Namal Rajapaksa, who is also the Chairman of popular youth organisation "Tharunyata Hetak" (A better tomorrow for Youth), is giving a dynamic leadership for the HDSDF as its President.

The HDSDF has already got in ton action in a big way. In addition to the redevelopment of Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Tangalle, two volleyball courts and a well-equipped stadium are being constructed at Wijayaba Vidyalaya, Hungama. With this year's National Sports Festival due to take place in Hambantota District, several other sports venues too would be developed.

Among the most notable at the construction of a soccer and athletic stadia in Beliatta. A new athletic ground and a soccer ground would be constructed under the D. A. Rajapaksa Stadium Complex in Beliatta.

Besides soccer, athletics and volleyball, elaborate plans have been made to further popularise cricket in the district. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has launched a special project to conduct coaching camps and workshops for schoolboy cricketers. The program was launched recently at Walasmulla National College.

The Sports Ministry of Southern Province has already launched a special project, aiming at winning the national sports festival title. Under the direction of Provincial Sports Minister, V. K. Indika and SSP Hewage, swimming would be introduced at school and club level. Two swimming pool projects would be launched at Weerakeriya Rajapaksa Vidyalaya and Beliatta Technical College.