Australian CB reps visit Kandy (6 July 1999)

6 July 1999

Australian CB reps visit Kandy

S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen

Representatives of the Australian Cricket Board were in the hill capital this week to inspect facilities for the first cricket Test match between the reigning World Cup champions Australia and Sri Lanka which is scheduled to get under way at the Asgiriya Stadium from September 9 to 13.

The Australian cricket delegation comprised former test cricketers Tim May, Richard Watson, Steve Bernard and the inspection of the Asgiriya grounds and the infrastructure available was carried out with Janaka Pathirana (Regional Secretary BCCSL Kandy), Prof. R. Breckenridge (Principal, Trinity College), Roger Abeyratne (Curator), Sunil Fernando, M. Zarook (Coordinating Secretary), Roland Perera (Regional Selector) and Lakshman Panditharatne.

According to Mr. Janaka Pathirana the Australians are highly satisfied with the facilities available and the current state of the grounds which could be brought up to the required standard in the two months available for the preparation of the wickets and the outfield. In pact the work is in progress at present.

The Aussie delegation also met the SSP Kandy Division, ASP R. B. Amarasiri and HQI Chief Inspector Saliya Silva regarding security arrangements. DIG Central Range Sirisena Herath who will be heading the security arrangements could not participate in the discussions due to official duties.

The delegation also visited Le Kandyan Hotel at Heeressagala where the Australian cricketers will be put up and according to Mr. Janaka Pathirana, they were pleased with the facilities available as this hotel has a breath taking view of a good part of Kandy.

Source :: The Daily News (https://www.lanka.net/lakehouse/)