Nuwara Eliya main athletic venue in despicable state

Nuwara Eliya Municipal stadium is Sri Lanka’s main venue for high altitude training which is frequented by athletes during November-December months for off season training and throughout the year mainly by middle and long distance runners. But at present it is in an appalling state, where the ground is concerned and does not offer any assistance to athletes. Its despicable state is due to the Municipal Council renting the ground for various commercial purposes.

As for the athletes training there, the venue had been rented for a religious ceremony last week where the organizers had built a temporary stage in the middle of the tracks despite a huge protest by athletes. Heavy vehicles which transported equipment for the ceremony had left deep tyre marks on the track where it’s now in an unusable state.

With Commonwealth and Asian Games coming up next year, many of the country’s top athletes, including short distance runners, throwers and jumpers will move to Nuwara Eliya for their off season training. They will find it impossible to train on that ground which will leave the athletes lacking peak form that is essential for winning medals at next year’s main international event.
According to athletes the Municipal Council has been regularly renting out the ground for musical shows, parties of private companies, etc., and never takes action to prevent damage or take action repairing it, leaving the athletes helpless.

Sports Ministry has already announced they are constructing a high altitude training centre worth US$ 80 Million at Nuwara Eliya but has failed to secure the only available venue in Nuwara Eliya for training until facilities come up.
There’s another big ground available just next to the said track in Nuwara Eliya which can be used for musical shows, religious activities etc., but the Municipal Council keeps renting the main venue with a track for such commercial purposes.