Wettimuny, Abeynaike visit Asgiriya Stadium (9 July 1999)

9 July 1999

Wettimuny, Abeynaike visit Asgiriya Stadium

S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen

Sidath Wettimuny and Ranil Abeynaike visited the Asgiriya Cricket Stadium where the first cricket test between Sri Lanka and Australia will be played from September 9 to 13.

They met the officials of the Kandy Regional Cricket Board and the Curator of the Asgiriya grounds Roger Abeyratne, and together inspected the present state of the Asgiriya grounds, and the facilities available.

At present much progress has been achieved to bring this ground to test standards by continuously cutting the grass and levelling the uneven surfaces in the outfield.

Janaka Pathirana - Secretary of the Regional Cricket Board said that the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka has authorised the application of fifty loads of soil which will be transported from Colombo.

It is also understood that Sidath Wettimuny and Ranil Abeynaike had sent reports regarding the present state of the Asgiriya grounds so that the necessary improvements could be made where necessary.

One of the main concerns will be the weeds and buffalo grass which is seen growing in the grounds. The weeds are being uprooted at present while the buffalo grass could be trimmed low to ensure the easy travel of the ball according to Pathirana who together with Curator Abeyratne are doing their best to uplift the standard of the outfield with the available resources.

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