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Opposition says Dambulla will remain venue for tri-series

Mohan De Silva, the opposition candidate for president, has said that Dambulla will remain the venue for the tri-series against India and South Africa, if he wins the elections

Cricinfo staff
11-Jul-2006
Mohan de Silva, the opposition candidate standing for elections to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), has said that Dambulla will remain the venue for the tri-series against India and South Africa, if he becomes the president.
"When we get elected, well make sure that matches take place according to the original schedule," de Silva, who is running against interim head Jayantha Dharmadasa, told AFP. "Its just poor management from the interim committee. It is just a matter of making outstanding payments to the authorities in Dambulla and the ground will be available."
The government-appointed interim board had sent the Indian board a request to accept change of venue from Dambulla to Colombo as they feared sabotage to the stadium if de Silva's group loses the elections this Saturday. De Silva is backed by Thilanga Sumathipala, the former president of the board, who was thrown out of office by the government and replaced with the interim committee last year.
According to the original schedule the first four matches of the tri-series, from August 14 to August 29, were to be held in Dambulla, while Colombo would host the final two matches.
The two Tests against South Africa beginning July 27 are also scheduled to be played in Colombo, though it is not yet sure whether they will be shifted to a neutral venue.