SLC justifies Intl. Cricket Stadium in Homagama

Minister Bandula Gunawardena along with officials inspects the plan for the proposed international cricket stadium at the allocated site in Homagama

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) yesterday justified the proposed International Cricket Stadium in Homagama, a move which has come under severe flak from past players and enthusiasts of the game. 

Stating that several media reports may have created misconceptions, which are detrimental to the image of both the Government and the SLC, the cricketing body issued a detailed statement. 

SLC said that the renowned R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Khettarama has been obtained for a 30-year lease from Sugathadasa Sports Complex Authority of Sri Lanka in 2006 and SLC is proud to say that a substantial amount of cricket has been played in the stadium annually and it is now designated as the High Performance Centre for Cricket with a view to raise the game to the next level.

For a considerable period of time, SLC has been on the watch and was exploring possibilities in acquiring a suitable land closer to Colombo to build a fully-fledged international cricket stadium with a view to accommodating 40,000 spectators, as the need has arisen with the popularity of the game of cricket and to best suit the demands of the world cricket.

In the meantime, the proposal was extended to SLC by the Government of Sri Lanka allocating a 26 acre land in Homagama in order to build an international cricket stadium at SLC’s cost. In view of the diverse climate and bio conditions in the country, SLC has invested in international level cricket stadiums around the country, which is aimed at playing in different seasons in consideration of the respective weather conditions.

SLC having discussed the Homagama International Cricket Stadium project, called for an Expression of Interests from reputed Audit Firms in Sri Lanka to carry out a feasibility study on the finances associated with the project along with repayments of the capital expenditure to be staggered for a period of 15 years. 

In view of the increasing demand for the game and especially due to the popularity of the short formats of the game, the need has arisen to cater to large crowds with easy access in an urban environment.

SLC said it should also be noted that ICC has now afforded the opportunity for member countries to express the Interest in staging the World Cup series in the respective countries for which it is expected to have at least five international level cricket stadiums in the country with a seating capacity of around 25,000-40,000.

“It is undoubted that cricketing events of such magnitude will bring massive foreign currency inflow to the country which is an essential fact in today’s economy standpoint. Further, it is important to note that Sri Lanka Cricket has also expressed interest in the ICC’s request to host two ICC World Cup events which are scheduled to be held in the year 2023 to 2031,” SLC said.

Taking all aspects into consideration and after evaluating the completion of a comprehensive study on the project’s operational aspect and its financial feasibility, the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket will decide on how to proceed with investing in this project as the sole investor.

It also should be noted that financial feasibility should assure the non-hindrance to the operational and other development projects which are currently engaged by SLC due to the commencement of the Homagama International Cricket Stadium project. 

As such, this project will be an absolute and private investment of Sri Lanka Cricket and no Government funds will be utilised and/or will be sought at any stage of the construction.