SLC unveils advanced swimming pool at NHPC
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) this week unveiled an advanced eight-lane swimming pool at their National High Performance Centre in Colombo, marking a significant enhancement to the country’s cricket training infrastructure. The facility, officially opened by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium Complex, represents a strategic investment in player development and recovery capabilities.
The ceremony attended by national team coaches Sanath Jayasuriya and Rumesh Ratnayake, along with women’s team captain Chamari Athapaththu. Sports medicine experts have long emphasised swimming’s importance for cricketers, providing crucial low-impact conditioning while reducing injury risks. The pool’s variable depth design (1.2 to 1.8 metres) enables customised training programmes for fast bowlers, who particularly benefit from water-based recovery sessions after intensive bowling spells.
The pool complements the centre’s existing facilities, including an international standard ground, gymnasium, and performance analysis centre. Plans for phase two development include additional recovery amenities such as a jacuzzi and ice bath facilities. With this addition, Sri Lanka joins cricket powerhouses like Australia and England in providing comprehensive aquatic training resources for their national squads.
Sri Lanka women's skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Sri Lanka men's team head coach Sanath Jayasuriya declare open the swimming pool alongside officials of Sri Lanka Cricket and the Ministry of Sports
