Cricketers face inconvenience at Uyawatta
PRIYAN DE SILVA- Matara Sports Corr
Although though the Uyanwatta Cricket ground was upgraded to
international standards last year school cricketers have been deprived
the use of the dressing rooms at the venue. The Uyanwatta ground is
owned and maintained by the Matara Municipal Council (MMC). Schools make
their reservations on payment of a fee to them which includes the use of
the pavilion and the two dressings rooms within. These two dressing
rooms are being used to store construction equipment and they are not
available to the players.
The Deshamanya H K Dharmadasa Pavillion situated on the premises was
renovated after obtaining permission from the Matara Municipal Council
is now under the control of the Matara District Cricket Association
(MDCA)who are demanding an equivalent sum charged by the MMC for its
use. Hence school cricketers are greatly inconvenienced without the use
of dressing rooms and toilet facilities. Only one public toilet is
available for the use of players and spectators at the moment. Players
have to change in full view of every one and undergo much embarrassment.
It is time that the Matara Municipal Council takes steps to provide
at least the basic requirements for players and officials. The rate
payers of Matara are of the view that the MDCA are having their way as
it is headed by influential persons with close links to the head of
state. It will be beneficial to all sports and the public if the
Deshamanya H K Dharmadasa Pavillion is administered by the Matara
Municipal Council.
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