SSC media box must keep up with the times

The Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) has a proud tradition as one of the few international cricket grounds in the country with virtually all modern-day facilities, but sadly, certain sections of the ground have not kept up with the times.

While new international cricket venues have surfaced at Dambulla, Pallekele and Sooriyawewa with state-of-the-art facilities, the SSC which houses the headquarters of Sri Lanka Cricket and is referred to as the Lords of Sri Lanka cricket, lacks the amenities where it houses the media box.

It has been a long-standing issue that the media box lacks a lift to carry journalists covering matches hosted at this venue to their working environment. For years they have been slogging up four flights of stairs to reach it. There is also the unhealthy sight of having to pass two dormitories occupied by SSC employees especially when you have media personnel of the female gender using the stairway.

During the Test match played between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan last week there were no proper toilet facilities for the female journalist covering the match and she had to seek alternative measures.

Not only is the present state of the media box at the SSC a hindrance to journalists but also to others who have to carry heavy loads upstairs.

With the SSC celebrating its 125th year, this year one hopes these shortcomings are addressed, so that this venue remains true to its traditions.