Bernard Aluvihare Stadium in Matale to be upgraded
View(s):The construction work on the proposed ‘Bernard Aluvihare Sports complex’ in Matale is already in progress and is expected to be completed by the end of this year at a cost of Rs.580 Million.
Under this project existing Bernard Aluvihare ground will be developed and upgraded to international standards and once completed, it will have 400 metre synthetic running track, a new pavilion, a 25 metre long swimming pool and an indoor sports stadium for sports like badminton, table tennis, volleyball, Karate, netball, basket ball etc.
State minister of agriculture and MP for Matale Wasantha Aluvihare while playing a prominent role in this project as an observer, has also intervened to expedite the work in completing the propose project as scheduled.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, the minister who himself being a sport enthusiast (he has represented his old almamater Trinity college Kandy in sports like athletics, football and cricket) said that he was grateful to the President Hon. Maithripala Sirisena , Prime Minister Hon. Ranil Wickremasinghe and sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekera for their blessing, advice and guidance and also for providing necessary funds to proceed with the construction work uninterrupted.
He also cited, as to how he was able to convince the prime minster Ranil Wickremasinghe the importance of laying a synthetic track (the first of its kind to be constructed outside Colombo) in Matale and get his approval to release Rs. 320 million from a special vote for its construction.
According to minister Aluvihare this sports complex with most modern facilities once completed will be a boon to the sports men and women of the Matale district as they are able to play with more enthusiasm targeting National and International achievements.
Athletics, Soccer and Rugby football are the only sports that will be allowed to stage at the modernised Bernard Aluvihare ground in future. Â – Â L.D.C