Prime Minister says no to Diyagama International Cricket Stadium Project

Colombo (News 1st); Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed for the proposed International Cricket Stadium project in Diyagama to be suspended and for the funds to be directed towards the development of school cricket and stadiums.

The decision was taken by the Prime Minister after he held talks with Former Sri Lankan Cricketers, respective government ministers, and Sri Lanka Cricket following the heavy criticism over the decision to build the stadium when the country is facing a financial crisis.

The cash-strapped Sri Lankan Government and Sri Lanka Cricket came under strong criticism after plans to develop the country’s biggest cricket stadium in the City of Homagama in the Colombo District were revealed recently.

The country’s largest cricket stadium was to be constructed in a 26-acre state land in Diyagama, Homagama with a capacity of 60,000 at an estimated cost of US$ 40 million.

Sri Lanka Cricket on Monday announced this project will be an absolute and private investment of SLC and no government funds will be utilized and/or will be sought at any stage of the construction.

In a surprise twist, a spokesperson at the International Cricket Council told News1st that the ICC did not sanction any loan for the construction of a cricket stadium in Sri Lanka.

He went on to note there was no formal agreement or discussion on the matter.