NO SUPPLIES AT GALLE STADIUM FOR ENGLAND TOUR
The first Test between Sri Lanka and England will still take place at the Galle Inter national Cricket Stadium even though there is currently no water or electricity at the ground, the stadium's curator confirmed.
Former Test player Jayananda Warnaweera says that the water and electricity supply were disconnected due to
the failure to pay bills owing to the financial crisis faced by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
"Yes there has been an issue due to the financial crisis faced by the SLC. We discussed it with the SLC and I hope it will be settled by Tuesday," he told BBC Sinhala service, Sandeshaya.
Cricket analysts have pointed out that it will be extremely difficult for the pitch, which has previously come under strong criticism by the ICC, to be ready for the first Test match against England scheduled for 26 March. "You don't need one month to prepare a pitch," was the response by Mr Warnaweera.
"A pitch for a Test match can usually be prepared within two to three weeks."
The SLC apologised to ICC after the pitch prepared for the last Test against Australia was ruled as substandard by the world governing body but the curator is furious about the criticism.
“They only point the finger only when something happens in an Asian country. Similar incident happened in Australia but did not accuse anybody,” Mr Warnaweera told BBC Sinhala service.
“I can assure you that a much better pitch for the England game will be prepared.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) refused to comment whether it is concerned about the development or whether it would agree to change the venue if needed.
The Galle cricket stadium is leased to the SLC by Galle Municipal Council.
The SLC interim committee (IC) headed by Upali Dharmadasa before been dissolved in December 2011 has paid Rs 3.4 million to Galle Cricket Association, of which Rs 1.7 million was allocated to pay for water and electricity bills.
BBC understands that the SLC is looking into why the payments are still outstanding.