Sugathadasa Sports Complex set for upgrade to global class

Friday, 20 December 2024 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet nod to upgrade resurfacing artificial track, upgrading football ground, installing advanced timing systems and renovating the lighting towers

By Charumini de Silva

The Cabinet of Ministers on Wednesday approved renovating the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex, the country’s premier sports facility. The upgrades will include resurfacing the deteriorated artificial track, upgrading the football ground, installing advanced timing systems and renovating the lighting towers.

Built to international standards, the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex is the country’s only facility with a 400-metre, 200-metre and 80-metre artificial track. However, the track, last resurfaced in 2018 has developed significant cracks, rendering it unsuitable for national-level athletics, according to the Sri Lanka Athletics Association.

“The proposed renovation aims to address these issues, ensuring that athletes have access to facilities that meet international standards,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said the project will be executed following a prescribed procurement process to ensure transparency and efficiency.