State Engineering Corp pledges World Cup readiness

Thursday, 9 December 2010 00:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Admits rains causing construction delays on new stadiums, but insists that work will be completed on time

By Uditha Jayasinghe

Hampered by the incessant deluge, the State Engineering Corporation (SEC), which is tasked with building two new cricket stadiums, yesterday acknowledged that there was a delay in completing them ahead of the World Cup but assured that deadlines would be met.

SEC Chairman Prof. Ashu Marasinghe told a press conference that the rebuilding of the R. Premadasa stadium had been delayed by the heavy rains that had lashed the city for weeks. “We are not impervious to natural elements. The rains that have hampered everyone around the country have also delayed the construction of the R. Premadasa cricket stadium. However we are confident that we will meet the deadlines as initially planned.”

He explained that the overall plan would not have to be adjusted even though short term goals would have to be set new deadlines. The basic construction is scheduled to be completed by 31 December and the rest of the infrastructure such as roads and parking areas will be brushed up afterwards. “We have till February to complete the beautifying process of the stadium and by then it will on time for the World Cup.”

Construction of the Pallakele Stadium has run into controversy as well with allegations that the agreements have not been signed and the final go ahead has not been given. Prof. Marasinghe admitted that the final agreements have not been signed but insisted that this was normal procedure. “These stadiums have to be built according to ICC regulations. Therefore a continuous dialog between the Cricket Board of Sri Lanka, the ICC and SEC changes plans periodically. We begin construction without agreements that is the norm.”

SEC officials were quick to point out that the short comings of the World Cup preparations were focused on by international organisations to undermine the reputation of Sri Lanka.

They stressed that these efforts would be futile and with perseverance the stadiums would be ready on time for the World Cup.