Lokuge’s roof was leaking at volleyball final

By Namal Pathirage

The newly appointed Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge who was the chief guest at the Volleyball Nationals final at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium was in for a rude shock. The much awaited final went on in fits and starts as the stadium roof started leaking and the Volley Ball court turned into a mini pool. This interruption brought a near ten minute break during the third round.

Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge at an recent inauguration of a sports event.

While the roof was leaking under the prevalent monsoon showers about a dozen embarrassed workers ran to the top of the roof and hastily laid some rubber sheets while the astonished ‘big boss’ Sports Minister, who is in charge of the sports complex, was looking in front at two of his parliament colleagues - Minister Dilan Perera who is the President of the Volleyball Federation and Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi. When the rains subsided play got underway once again.

Donald Abeysundera who took charge of the Sports Complex nearly a month ago was also present at the final.

Speaking to The Sunday Times on this lapse he said, “We were aware of this situation before hand. Unfortunately we were not able to detect the exact spot where the water leaked and started seeping into the wood paneled ceiling. However I will see that this situation is brought under control without any further delay”.

Nevertheless the intriguing point is that millions of rupees were spent on the upgrading of the Sugathadasa Sports Complex for the South Asian Federation Games which took place at this very complex last August.

The men’s final was won by the Army who beat the Air Force 3-0 while in the women’s final Comfortwear Garments sprang a huge surprise by defeating the much fancied Air Force team at 3-1.

A record 2676 teams took part in this tournament which offered cash awards of Rs.100,000 each for the winning teams.