Stadium renamed Khettarama
LESLIE FERNANDO
A stadium to international class that was built by the late President
Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1986 and subsequently named in his honour after
his death was re-named as Khettarama International Stadium.
Khettarama Stadium is now managed by Sri Lanka Cricket. Preethi
Suriyarachchi a former outstanding sportsman from St. Thomas College
Matale is the manager of the Khettarama Stadium. Suriyarachchi
represented the college at hockey and cricket. He played hockey for
Combined Colleges and excelled with extraordinary performances.
|
Khettarama Stadium under flood lights |
Suriyarachchi who assumed duties in 1995 at Khettarama stadium was an
officer attached to Sri Lanka Navy for 22 long years.
He represented Sri Lanka Navy at hockey and rugger with distinction.
His main task is to coordinate with Sri Lanka cricket authorities on
Khettarama Stadium maintenance and facilities.
Suriyarachchi who was one time secretary of the Ex-Naval Association
has performed his duties efficiently from 1995.
The comment register at Khettarama Stadium proves his efficiency. The
match referees, locally and internationally have made top comments of
the facilities at the Khettarama stadium.
The book maintained for comments is available for references. The
credit goes to Suriyarachchi and his hard working staff. He said that
supervision, administrative matters and day to day work is under his
charge. Suriyarachchi is happy that the entire staff attend to their
respective jobs well.
Altogether there are 35 officers - technical and works staff. They
begin work at 8 a.m. and continue in the normal hours.
There are ten turf wickets and are being very well looked after.
Six floodlit towers are in extension and are separately maintained by
an engineer and his staff. One tower consists of 85 bulbs one bulb
voltage 2000. Altogether 528 bulbs will burn during floodlit match. The
height of a tower is 60 metres.
Suriyarachchi said that during matches two generators are hired from
Ceylon Electricity Board. The capacity is 1000 kv.
All bookings for matches by schools, clubs and establishments are
handled by Sri Lanka Cricket.
So Preethi Suriyarachchi continues his good work with his long
experience.
|
