SLC activates its development programmes

Sri Lanka cricket will launch a very ambitious cricket development programme in the outstations in its bid to broad-base the game in the thus under-developed areas. The five cities that have been identified are Hambantota, Kalutara, Batticaloa, Monaragala and Kegalle.

The cities are to get equipment and infrastructure development programmes.

Explaining the programme to The Sunday Times SLC’s media manager Samantha Algama said “the Hambantota programme will be named as the the Hambantota School Development Project and the SLC has identified fifteen schools with the potential for the expansion of the game, but who do not have the proper infrastructure. SLC will provide the area with fifteen Astro Turfs along with materials. Kalutara will have its District Development Council and they are to receive seven Astro Turfs along with the Material while In Batticaloa eleven clubs will get eleven Astro Turfs which will come with the materials.

“However it will be different in Monaragala. In that area there is this Uva-Wellassa Cricket Grounds which has been neglected for some time now. The SLC is looking to develop this ground to host first class matches there. Then in Kegalle Twenty Five identified from ten schools will be provided with materials so that they could up grade their personal standards”.

Algama finally added “Besides the above, the under 15s and the 17s will get their own age group national coaches while a pool, of 47 players are currently training under former national player Roger Wijesuriya in preparation for the tour of Malaysia in January 2007.