News

Postponement of Event at Sugathadasa Stadium Highlights Broader Concerns Over Venue Management and Sports Access

Published

5 months ago

December 28, 2025

Editor

The postponement of the Ne-Yo Live in Sri Lanka concert, scheduled to take place on December 28 at the Sugathadasa Outdoor Stadium, has prompted renewed public discussion regarding venue management procedures, financial compliance, and the use of national sports facilities for non-sporting events.

In a brief statement issued via social media, the event organisers, Brown Boy Presents, announced that the concert had been postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances and factors beyond their control.” The statement further noted that the refund process is being finalised and that ticket holders will be informed accordingly. While issued tickets were said to remain valid for a future date, no revised date has been officially announced.

Sports Activities and Venue Access

The Sugathadasa National Sports Complex is Sri Lanka’s premier athletics facility, regularly used by national athletes and sports organisations. According to information shared by sports stakeholders, access to the ground had been restricted from November onwards, with users reportedly informed that the venue would be unavailable due to renovation-related requirements.

The subsequent approval of a large-scale entertainment event has led to questions from within the sporting community regarding consistency in decision-making and prioritisation of venue usage. Sports administrators and athletes have expressed concern that activities were halted in the interest of ground preservation, while preparations for a non-sporting event were later observed at the same venue.

It has also been noted by technical personnel that heavy staging and audience infrastructure can place strain on an athletics surface, highlighting the importance of professional ground-use assessments before approving such events.

Administrative and Financial Procedures

Available reports indicate that the organisers initially made a partial payment to reserve the venue, with further payments expected under the stadium’s financial regulations. According to established procedures, full settlement of venue fees is required prior to an event being authorised to proceed.

Despite ongoing discussions regarding payments, construction of a stage was observed within the stadium premises, drawing public attention. Subsequent confirmations reportedly indicated that the remaining fees had not been settled by the stipulated deadline.

Following this, permission for the event was cancelled on December 25, citing non-compliance with financial requirements. Equipment and materials used for stage construction were later removed by the relevant service provider, reportedly due to non-payment.

Concerns Raised and Public Accountability

The incident has sparked broader debate regarding oversight, compliance with financial protocols, and transparency in venue allocation decisions. Several stakeholders have called for clearer communication and publicly accessible guidelines governing the use of national sports facilities, particularly when non-sporting events are considered.

As of now, no official statements have been released by the Ministry of Sports, the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex Authority, or related administrative bodies explaining the approval process or addressing the concerns raised by athletes and sports organisations.

Need for Policy Clarity

While entertainment events can contribute to economic activity, sports administrators note that national sports venues exist primarily to serve athletes and sporting development. The situation has underscored the importance of balancing commercial opportunities with the long-term needs of sport, alongside strict adherence to established administrative and financial procedures.

Observers within the sports community have emphasised that clear policies, transparent processes, and consistent enforcement are essential to maintaining confidence in the management of national sports infrastructure.

It is also relevant to note that the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex traditionally operates under a no-alcohol policy within its premises, in line with regulations governing national sports venues. However, promotional material related to the proposed event indicated that certain ticket packages included tables offering alcoholic beverages as part of the experience. This apparent contrast has raised further questions among sports stakeholders regarding policy enforcement, venue usage conditions, and oversight, particularly when national sporting facilities are made available for non-sporting events.

As ticket holders await further communication and athletes seek clarity on access to training facilities, the episode serves as a reminder of the need for professional governance and accountability in the management of Sri Lanka’s key sporting venues.

News

Historic Victory for School for the Deaf Basketball Team

Published

4 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Editor

The Under-15 basketball team of School for the Deaf, Ratmalana created history by winning the U15 Basketball Tournament organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Association. Their remarkable achievement has become an inspiring story of determination, teamwork, and courage.

The most touching moment of the final came after the match ended. As the referees blew the final whistle, the players could not hear the sound because they are hearing impaired. However, within seconds, their coach turned towards them with joy and signalled the unforgettable news they had won the championship.

The emotional celebration that followed moved everyone present at the venue. The young players hugged each other with pride and happiness after achieving a victory that will be remembered for years to come. Their performance throughout the tournament displayed excellent discipline, skill, and fighting spirit.

This historic triumph is not only a proud moment for the school but also an inspiration to the entire nation. It reminds us that determination and hard work can overcome any challenge, proving that true talent has no barriers.

News

Savinaka claim title for third successive year as Thulithclaim double crown at MBA Open Badminton Championships 2026

Published

10 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Editor

Savinaka Weerasekara defended his title for the second consecutive year while Thulith Palliyaguru accounted for a double crown at the MBA All-Island Open Badminton Championship 2026, which concluded in a grand scale at the Mercantile Badminton Association (MBA) courts in Colombo.

After conceding the first set by 18-21, Savinaka Weerasekarabounced back to overcome aspiring shuttler Keneth Aruggodaby 21-12 and 21-5 to seal the MBA Open Men’s Singles title for the third consecutive year. Varangana Jayawardana defeated Dulanya Karunarathna in similar fashion by 2-1, with set scores of 19-21, 21-12 and 21-13 to claim the MBA Open Women’s Singles title.

Thulith Palliyaguru partnered with Oshamika Karunarathna to overcome the duo of Jason Homer and Thavisha Samararatne in straight sets (24-22, 21-16) to claim the Open Men’s Doubles title, after pairing up with Panchali Adhikari to win the Open Mixed Doubles title to secure his double crown. Thulith and Panchali defeated Aashinsa Herath and Varangana Jayawardanain straight sets, with scores of 21-16 and 21-17. The Open Women’s Doubles title was claimed by Anurangi Masakoralaand Praveena Wijesundara, who defeated Isuri Attanayake and Sithumi de Silva in straight sets by 22-20 and 21-16 after an absorbing battle.

In the Junior category, Dinew Wmalaratne and NethmiRatnayake secured the U-19 Boy’s and Girl’s Singles titles, with the former accounting for a double crown. Dinew was given a tough challenge by Senuth Perera, who squared the Boy’s Singles final after the eventual champion won the first set by 21-17 and conceded the second 16-21 to set a thrilling final set. Dinew claimed the final set 21-18 and secured the title by 2-1, after claiming the Boys’ U-19 Doubles title partnering with Keneth Aruggoda to defeat Thejana Herath and MihilaJayaweera in straight sets, with scores of 21/13 and 21-16.

Nethmi Ratnayake defeated Dulanya Karunarathna in straight sets by 21-17 and 21-14, while the pairing of Isuri Attanayakeand Sithumi de Silva went on to overcome Vinuthi Ranasingheand Yenara Wickramasinghe by 2-1 to claim the Girls’ U-19 Doubles title. Isuri and Sithumi conceded the first set 16-21, but bounced back to claim the remaining two sets by 24-22 and 21-9 to emerge winners after a grueling battle.

The annual elite badminton competition conducted by Mercantile Badminton Association, attracted nearly 1900 shuttlers, who battled it out in 59 different events. A grand cash prize of Rs. 750,000 was on offer in addition to gifts and certificates at the event, which was held at the MBA, Sri Lanka Badminton and Otters courts from May 2nd to 10th with Elite Shutter stepping forward as the Main Sponsor. Other sponsors namely DMS, Hundred, Linning, Omrith, ATG, NST Enterprises, Mclarens Group, Mobil, Lanla Commodity Brokers, Gangani Tea Factory, Forbes & Walker Tea Factory, Green House Tea Factory, Palathota Uva Tea Factory and Sanda HiruProductions contributed for the success of the nine-day event. Mrs Shanga Jayawicrama graced the awards ceremony as Chief Guest while Brian Gomes of Elite Shutter made his presence as the Guest of Honour.

Cricket

SLC Postpones Domestic Cricket Tournaments Due to Adverse Weather

Published

10 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the postponement of all its scheduled domestic cricket tournaments following an assessment of prevailing weather conditions across the country.

The decision affects several key competitions that were due to commence today, including the Major Club T20 Tournament, Tier B Club T20 Tournament, and the Governors Trophy tournament.

According to SLC, the move was taken to ensure the safety of players, officials, and support staff, while also maintaining the quality of playing conditions amid continued unfavorable weather.

Tournament organizers stated that revised schedules for the affected competitions will be released in due course after further evaluation of weather forecasts and ground conditions.