Sports in Nawalapitiya bound to improve with Minister Aluthgamage working hard

by S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Corr.

Mahinda Rajapaksa International Football Tournament organised by the Ministry of Sports and the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) gave a new dimension for soccer not only in Nawalapitiya but also to the entire Upcountry.

Past experience indicates that though Nawalapitiya had a playground by the name of Jayatillake Park but it was hardly known for sports. Soccer was its main sport and the tournaments conducted were far and in between and did not draw much spectator interest. A little cricket mostly softball cricket was played and the schools had its annual athletic meets which helped them to participate at the Zonal and Provincial meets. But hardly any sportsman or sportswoman rose up to national level. That was sports at Nawalapitiya which was essentially a plantation town with no facilities.

But with the appointment of the Nawalapitiya Parliamentarian Mahindananda Aluthgamage as the Sports Minister in 2010, sports at Nawalapitiya took a different turn.

Jayatilleke Park developed

For sports to develop at any level, the necessary infrastructure must be there. This was achieved with the development of Jayatillake Park into Sports Complex. The changes which has taken place during this short time will have to be seen to be believed. Covered stands right around the ground. The playing field was freshly done with the laying of turf and is about the best in the country. A state-of-the-art pavilion and viewing galleries were constructed.

A swimming pool was constructed and an electronic scoreboard too was in place. The media too was looked after with a fine media box with all facilities and very comfortable reclining chairs. The roads too were constructed in a planned manner so that the movement of vehicles and the entry and exit of the spectators without any hindrance.

Thus the sports complex became one of the best or if not one of the best in the country. The opening ceremony was graced by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Rugby which was hardly known in Nawalapitiya was introduced in a big way with the participation of Upcountry Lions in the Dialog League and Clifford Cup knock out rugby tournament. The participation of foreign players was a big draw and drew the crowds for the matches. The Upcountry Lions sponsored by Crysbro Farms performed beyond expectations for debutants.

Sports Minister gets crowds

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage displayed in clear terms where there is a will there is a way and sports in Nawalapitiya attracted crowds. Rugby has been introduced to schools from junior levels and cricket too is being introduced from the junior levels by Sri Lanka Cricket and the coaching clinics conducted by Kandy District cricket coaches.

Thus the Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage played his innings well and it is up to those involved in sports to play their innings well and with a purpose to put Nawalapitiya in the sports map. The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Football tournament 2012 has been a major success and large crowds thronged to witness the matches. President Mahinda Rajapaksa graced the opening ceremony amidst his busy schedule. Three foreign teams Maldiva Islands, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the hosts Sri Lanka participated.

This was a dream for the sports loving people of Nawalapitiya and the image created has infused a love for sports for the residents. A notable feature is the presence of ladies in large numbers at sports events which is an indication that the love for sports has been injected into the lives of the people of Nawalapitiya in a very big way.