German - Sri Lanka Football Complex a boost for youth : Sports Minister

BERNARD PERERA

The German Sri Lanka Football Complex at Matara a donation from the German National soccer team which saw its completion was declared open by the Minister of Sports and Public Recreation Gamini Lokuge and Deputy German Ambassador Andreas Hartmann last week in front of a distinguished gathering.

Minister addressing the gathering said that the German national team came forward to help the tsunami stricken area with a view to give hope for the youth in the Southern Province.

This is not the only donation that came from Germany during the period spanning from 1994 tsunami.

The Government of Germany made various contributions to develop this area. We are very grateful for all these services rendered by them.

He said this donation from the national soccerites is a vital one for the youth not only in this Province but also for all soccerites from all parts of the country.

They have spent a handsome amount of money for this project to put up this marvellous construction and the ground, and their commitment to maintain the same for a further period of five years has to be appreciated by all citizens of this country.

He thanked the German ambassador Juergen Weerth who played a vital role in bringing this project for us along with Holger Obermann Head of German Football Federation (projects) for taking a keen interest in visiting Sri Lanka on many occasions to see the project become a reality.

He also made a special commendation for the other two guests Jen Nowotny (National Player) and Uli Voiigt (Media Director GFF) who flew in to inaugurate this project.

Jens Nowotny in a short address said that our aim is to develop youth to become good citizens for the country.

This can be achieved by providing the Youth with the best to develop their skills as they are the future of the country.

He requested all involved to make arrangements to make the maximum from this valuable opportunity that we have given to them.

He thanked the Football Federation and its officials for extending an invitation and for the well organised ceremony to declare open the project on a high note. Holger Obermann said that he is highly satisfied with the work done by the constructors in putting up a solid building to accommodate all necessary facilities.

He too made an appeal to everyone to take the maximum use from this project. If that is done you are sure to produce not only good soccerites, footballers but also good citizens.

He added that he hopes to bring a youth German team to play here against a team from Sri Lanka around April this year.

He concluded thanking all officials of the Football Federation and Manilal Fernando for undertaking this giant project. Manilal is the main actor in bringing this complex for Sri Lanka, his hard work worked well for the country at large.

Everyone in Sri Lanka has to be proud of him said Obermann. Obermann also handed over a memento specially brought from Germany.

Upul Nishantha His Lordship Mayor of Matara too addressed the gathering and thanked the German guests who were present on this day and also Manilal Fernando who was instrumental in bringing this complex to Matara for the benefit of all Sri Lnakan youth.