The Dambulla construction race commences

A carnival atmosphere prevailed in the little village hamlet of Ibbankatuna in the Dambulla district on Tuesday. With Kandyan dancers and the local village school bands turning out to greet their Chief Minister, Nandimithra Ekanayake, as he laid the Foundation stone for the Pavilion of the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. The race is now on, for the grounds completion in time for the England tour next year.

The Dambulla concept is an attempt by the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) to ensure that cricket can be played all year round in the country. During the months of May to August, few other countries are able to play international cricket except England. This period thus represents an ideal time to attract foreign tours to the island. The Dambulla project provides an insurance policy during such tours, against the interference of the weather. This is turn means that the risks of tournament sponsors and rights holder are reduced, which will guarantee greater revenues for Sri Lankan cricket.

A ceremony, the like of which is rarely seen in this part of the country, attracted approximately 5000 local people, who showed loyalty towards their town and towards the game of cricket. A number of them said they were from poor families and they can't afford to travel to Colombo to watch Test or One-day cricket, and now they could watch their stars in action.

Mr. Nilantha Perera, construction coordinator and BCCSL supervisor of the project, speaking to CricInfo, said: "We are all working to a plan. Everyone, contractors and the normal workers, are working more or less round the clock to reach our goals." And what was this goal: "We must have this ground ready by the middle of March next year. However I am confident that the ground and main pavilion will be ready by the end of February 2001. When work is fully completed this ground will host over 25,000 spectators. A fully air conditioned press box will be situated above the sight-screen, which can accommodate 50 to 60 media personnel. We will not construct towards the far right of the ground as we want to leave the lake as an attraction."

Also present at the occasion was the Chief Executive and President of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. Mr Thilanga Sumathipala took time out to briefly talk with CricInfo:

Q: Mr. Thilanga Sumathipala, it was your brainchild to have a cricket stadium in Dambulla. Are you happy now that things are going as planned?

A: You see I had to face giant obstructions from lots of quarters even the media as to why I have undertaken to build a cricket stadium in this part of the country. The main reason for this is the weather, as you are aware weather in Colombo is so wet most of the year round. Kandy is uncertain as well. We must have a cricket stadium in the dry zone so that the venue could be shifted at very short notice. Look at the weather, it is raining in Colombo and has been for weeks, but there is no rain here. Yes I am happy things are working out well.

Q: Let me put it to you, my personal opinion is that this ground and the building will not be ready to host the England team due in Feb/March 2000?

A: Well you don't seem to have any confidence, even after you have had a good look around. I accept the challenge that this ground would be ready by February. I have faith in my construction team, who are working at a tremendous pace to host the England team.

Q: How much have you estimated the cost to be?

A: Well we expect the final cost to be approximately 180 million rupees.

Q: The people of the area seem to be very happy that they are having a cricket ground in Dambulla?

A: Well you can see the smile on their faces, now they can watch their heroes Jayasuriya and Muralitharan perform. They are also happy because nearly 200 people will get direct employment. Moreover, there will also be shops and hotels that develop from this and provide additional employment.

The Chief Minister, Nandimitra Ekanayake, in his speech said: "We must thank the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) for embarking on this project to bring cricket to Dambulla. Not only will the lads in the area take to the game in a big way, but it also provide local employment. I support this cause, as much as the people of the area, and will go all out to ensure that Dambulla will become a big name in Sri Lanka Cricket".