Ajantha Mendis gets ready to deliver a ‘mystery’ ball. He was unearthed by Major General V.R. Silva Pix by Sanka Vidanagama

Picture a cricket venue where you can watch an international game with a soft cool breeze wafting through the trees. There will be no blaring horns or sounds of vehicles to disturb you. And no, you do not have travel for two to three hours to watch the game. You just have to travel to Panagoda.

“The Army Commander is a keen cricket fan. If Sri Lanka Cricket wants to, with the Commander’s blessings they can improve this ground at the Panagoda Army Camp to host three day matches and even one day internationals,” said Major General V. R. Silva who discovered, nurtured and trained Sri Lanka’s ‘Mystery’ spinner Ajantha Mendis.

Silva is a former cricketer himself. Thus he knows what he is talking about. Since his appointment as Chairman of Army Cricket, he has taken his team from tier two to tier one in the domestic league. In the process with the help of his commander, he has also transformed a ground which was used only occasionally for various sports, in to a venue where only cricket is played.

Elaborating on what transpired Silva said; “The ground was commissioned back in 1983. For many years it was used only by the Physical Training Instructors (PTI) and for inter-regiment soccer games. After I took over as head of cricket, one of my main priorities was to have a ground of our own. I requested Sri Lanka Cricket for funds, but at that time we were playing in tier two. With the help of my Commander, we developed the infrastructure.

Sri Lanka Cricket did help to re do the turf. We laid the turf in May 2007. And since then we have been playing Division one matches and under 23 matches.”

The venue already has a pavilion, covered and uncovered terraces, parking for more than 400 vehicles, separate dressing rooms with attached bathrooms for the teams, a dining area for the sides, a specific place for the officials, the main pitch, three pitches on the side, nets, two 16 by 20 movable side screens and two cemented pitches for practices.

Army big wigs watching a game at the Panagoda Army Cricket Ground. Maj General V.R. Silva, Ajantha Mendis’ coach is seated second from left.

“To make this an international venue, there are some things that need to be done. Obviously we will need to have a Press Box. Unlike other grounds there is plenty of space here. The drainage system also has to be improved. Once that is done even if it rains, the water will drain fast. There are a couple of spots on the ground that needs to be addressed. As for the uncovered terraces, I am no architect but if they are to be covered, it has to be done in such a way that the view of the beautiful surroundings is not obscured in any way,” said Silva.

Since the ground is in an army camp, the obvious question is whether the public would be allowed to enter. When asked, Silva said; “We have played a number of matches here. No member or members of the opposing teams or any of the officials have had any complaints. Even at The Sinhalese Sports Club grounds and at the R. Premadasa Stadium one cannot just walk in. There are security checks. It is the same here.”

Added Silva; “When you mention the location as Panagoda, some people may think it is a long way off. On the contrary it just a 45 minute drive from Colombo.

There are two ways to get to the ground. One way is on the high level to Homagama. The other is the 190 bus route from Borella. Although the ground is 600 metres from the entrance to the cantonment, we are willing to provide transport from the entrance. Such is the tranquility here that even a batsman will not be distracted by any sound or sight beyond the ground. Thus it up to Sri Lanka Cricket to take a decision, on whether to make this picturesque location in to an international venue.