Sri Lanka’s First Artificial Football Turf declared open by Minister of Sports
Football Federation of Sri Lanka organised a grand official opening of Sri Lanka’s first artificial Football turf by Minister of Sports Dayasiri Jayasekara along with FFSL President Anura De Silva, FFSL General Secretary Jaswar Umar, Executive members and with many regional leagues on Saturday.
This artificial turf was funded by FIFA and shall be used for Sri Lanka National team preparations for International games. Complying with International standards, this turf provides an opportunity to train National teams for any weather conditions.
“We are delighted to open this fantastic sports infrastructure for Football for the first time in the country and we will support continuously to develop Football in Sri Lanka” said Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara Minister of Sports.
“It is a great pleasure to have this facility for FFSL which is most vital part in preparing our national teams for International games. We thank FIFA, AFC and Ministry of Sports for keeping confidence in Football and supporting the game in every aspect.” said FFSL President Anura De Silva.
“This is part of our football vision 2030 and there are many similar development programmes scheduled to take place in the near future for the development of our country’s football right throughout the country” said Jaswar Umar General Secretary of FFSL.
Beddegana artificial football pitch and the training center can provide residential training facilities for 40 players and 15 officials at any given time. This also has Cafeteria, Auditorium and Gymnasium as part of the Complex.
The Sports Ministry Staff and Football Federation Staff staged an exhibition match which was won by the Sports Ministry Staff by six goals to one. Sports Ministry team was skippered by Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara.
The Football federation team was led by President of the FFSL Anura de Silva.