Squash: Pakistan keen to build courts in Sri Lanka

In a gesture to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, Pakistan has stated it is willing to support Sri Lanka by building squash courts at district level.

This was revealed by Suranjith Premadasa, the President of Sri Lanka Squash.

“The government of Pakistan has agreed to help us to promote squash in the provinces. They will help us build ten squash courts in Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matara, Ambalangoda, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya and Colombo by next year while Pakistan Squash have consented to provide the services of ten qualified squash coaches free of charge” Premadasa stated. 

“It was the British that introduced squash to Sri Lanka over a hundred years ago. It is on record that there were six squash courts at the Princes Club in Colombo even in 1906. But today even though there are many privately owned squash courts in Colombo, Kandy and Diyatalawa they charge Rs 500 or more per hour which is beyond what most people can afford. This has been a deterrent in promoting the game. At present Sri Lanka Squash does not have courts of their own and if the Ministry of Sports accepts the Pakistani offer we can bring down the rental at least by half of the present rate” he added.