Once foes, become friends in the name of mega project in South
A recent meeting led by Sunil Handunnetti, the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials and other key stakeholders regarding the development of a state-of-the-art cricket training facility in Matara has sparked controversy for multiple reasons.
Former cricketer and National Sports Council (NSC) member Roshan Mahanama has openly questioned the project, arguing that available funds should be allocated to upgrading existing facilities across the country rather than constructing expensive new stadiums. Additionally, eyebrows have been raised over Minister Handunnetti’s involvement. As the former Chairman of COPE, he was known for fiercely scrutinising SLC’s financial management but now he appears to be in amicable discussions with the very same institution about launching a new cricket venture.
The meeting that took place last week in Matara
During his tenure as COPE chief, Handunnetti relentlessly exposed SLC’s financial mismanagement. He was particularly critical of the board’s handling of funds and even suspended its controversial charity arm, Cricket Aid, after COPE found that SLC had ignored previous directives to amend its Articles of Association, thus keeping government auditors at bay.
Yet, today, the same Handunnetti, now holding a key ministerial position in the NPP government, is sitting at the negotiation table with SLC officials, enthusiastically planning a multi-million-rupee cricket project. Has SLC suddenly transformed into a model of financial transparency overnight, or have political realities turned even the fiercest critics into cooperative allies?
The meeting, held recently at the Matara District Secretariat, was attended by Handunnetti, SLC President Shammi Silva, SLC Treasurer, and other key figures, including Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya and Pramodya Wickramasinghe, the President of Matara Sports Club, to discuss the project’s implementation.
On Thursday in Parliament, Handunnetti dismissed allegations of any personal agenda, stating that if SLC couldn’t “buy him over” then, they certainly couldn’t do so now. This was in response to comments made by MP Hesha Withanage regarding the proposed venture.
“This project was initially planned in 2007. We are not building a mega stadium but merely trying to establish a training facility for children,” Handunnetti explained.
However, soon after the meeting, Roshan Mahanama launched a scathing critique of the initiative, stressing that the nation’s priority should be improving existing cricketing infrastructure rather than pouring funds into new, costly developments.
“We already have many grounds from Division One to school level across the country, especially in the southern region from Moratuwa to Hambantota. These funds would be far better utilised in a cohesive national plan to elevate selected facilities to the next level and develop existing venues where children can train and grow their skills closer to home or school,” he wrote.
“This approach would benefit a larger talent pool and have a more sustainable impact over the years. Unfortunately, the motives behind these large-scale developments must be scrutinised, as they may involve vested interests rather than a genuine commitment to nurturing young talent. This is a matter worthy of the attention of the President and Prime Minister to ensure that the right objectives are prioritised and that transparency is upheld.”
On the other hand, Pramodya Wickramasinghe, President of Matara Sports Club, defended the project, arguing that the Southern Province desperately needs a dedicated facility to support the next generation of cricketers. He pointed out that the Uyanwatte Stadium’s multi-purpose nature makes it difficult to maintain the high standards required for first-class cricket. According to him, the establishment of a high-performance centre would not only address these infrastructural challenges but also create opportunities for young players to rise through the national system.
“This is not about building a mega stadium,” he said.
“It’s about providing a much-needed high-performance facility for young cricketers in the region.”
The proposed facility is designed to offer a world-class training environment, allowing aspiring cricketers to hone their skills without needing to travel far from home. Additionally, the venue is expected to host Sri Lanka ‘A’ team matches, further integrating regional talent into the national cricketing framework.
Whether this project is a genuine step towards cricketing development or another instance of financial manoeuvering remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—Sri Lanka’s cricketing future depends not just on grand infrastructure projects but on a transparent, well-planned strategy that prioritises grassroots growth and long-term sustainability.