Nalanda grounds to be redeveloped at a cost of eight million rupees
By Ranjan Anandappa
CRICKET: Nalanda College with the assistance of Sri Lanka Cricket has
formed a joint venture in redeveloping the present playground at a cost
of eight million rupees.
The Nalanda Principal Hemantha Prematileka addressing the media soon
after the ceremony, said that it was one of the happiest days in the
annals of the 82-year-old Nalanda history as the development of the
playground is a unique effort by Old Boys Association and Sri Lanka
Cricket which will help to develop the infrastructure of sports.
The President of OBA DIG Asoka Wijetileka said that the the hallowed
ground that is seen today has been the breeding ground for many
sportsmen both at Ananda and Nalanda .
"It is well known that up to the 70's Nalanda shared this ground with
Ananda, fostering the much needed brotherhood that we see even to this
day. We have produced not only cricketers, but athletes, soccerites,
rugby players and many other versatile sportsmen, media personnel, and
administrators of sports. They all began their long journey of success
from this ground," said the OBA President.
"We who are associated with sports at Nalanda, appreciate Sri Lanka
Cricket for their magnanimous gesture in coming forward to assist us in
redeveloping the ground.
In return, we wish to give SLC our assurance that we do not intend to
spend these funds and sit on our laurels. We will continue to produce
cricketers like Stanley Jayasinghe, Bandula Warnapura, Jayantha
Seneviratne, Roshan Mahanama and Mahela Jayawardene to name just a few,"
he said.
Reputed Sinhala cricket commentator, a distinguished Old Nalandian
and now a member of the SLC Interim Committee Premasara Epasinghe said
that Nalanda and cricket has been synonymous. Nalanda is not only a
Buddhist Institution , but also a tower of strength and it is also a
national treasure. SLC has been generous not only for Nalanda, but for
some other schools as well to develop the game of cricket.
With the vast development of the game and the technicalities, the ICC
has laid special emphasis on various other aspects, besides the game.
Nalanda is ready to meet the demands at school level. However, Epasinghe
stressed the importance of the maintenance of the ground, pavilion etc.
Ananda Silva, the President of the Old Nalandians Sports Club
delivered the vote of thanks.
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