A MILESTONE FOR SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN DAMBULLA

On the auspicious evening Sri Lanka Cricket witnessed a momentous occasion with the inauguration of two significant sporting facilities: the newly built swimming pool, hydrotherapy, and injury rehabilitation unit at the 'Centre of Excellence – Dambulla' and the state-of-the-art LED Floodlights System at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium under the gracious presence of His Excellency the President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the chief guest.

The milestone endeavour was aimed at facilitating with infrastructure to the cricketers particularly who are away from Colombo and allow them to excel in the game. Further, it is expected this will give an opportunity to the talented young cricketers in the area to represent the country in the international arena. This will also be another upgraded venue for the Sri Lanka Cricket to host international tournaments.

At the invitation extended by the President of Sri Lanka Cricket Mr Shammi Silva together with the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Head of the National Sports Selection Committee General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil attended the opening ceremony. During the interaction, General Shavendra Silva congratulated and appreciated the endeavour of the Sri Lanka Cricket.

As the ceremony unfolded, a cultural event was also performed which added a glamor to the occasion. This was an initiative of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Lands, and Tourism, under the guidance of the Minister Hon Harin Fernando. The show jumps performance that followed was presented by the Armed Forces Personnel could attract the invitees and gave a renewed energy to the sportsmanship.

The event was attended by State Minister of Defence Hon Premitha Bandara Thennakoon, National Security Advisor Mr Sagala Ratnayaka, Parliamentarians, Commander of the Air Force, Acting IGP, government officials, dignitaries, sportsmen/women, sports enthusiasts and a number of distinguished invitees.