Sports Minister Inspects Navinna Public Grounds Project; Says Cost Could Reach Rs. 200 Million

Navinna Public Sports Grounds Expected to Open in December

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage inspected the newly constructed Navinna public sports grounds in Maharagama on the morning of October 12, as part of efforts to address the area's need for improved sports facilities.

The project to renovate the Navinna public grounds is being carried out under the national programme to develop public sports grounds.

The facility is scheduled to open in December this year, with the aim of providing local residents and athletes with improved opportunities to participate in sports and promote a stronger sporting culture.

Speaking to the media during the inspection, Minister Gamage said approximately Rs. 80 million had already been spent on the project. He added that the total expenditure was expected to reach around Rs. 200 million upon completion.

The minister also said firm action would be taken regarding a sports association in the future. Commenting on cricket, he stated that no team takes to the field intending to lose and noted that problems of this nature had persisted for some time.

MP Devananda Suraveera Comments on Religion and Political Issues

During the same occasion, Parliamentarian Devananda Suraveera commented on matters relating to Buddhism, religious leadership and political developments.

He said Buddhism was never treated as a secondary religion. Referring to a rally held the previous day, he criticised those who claimed that Buddhist monks had not attended the event, saying that such claims were made by people who could not see what was happening.

Commenting on Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera and proposed legal changes, Suraveera said some existing laws were outdated and that the government intended to amend them. He added that the Mahanayake Theras representing the three Buddhist Nikayas had also expressed support for changing the laws.

The MP further alleged that certain individuals were attempting to act according to their own political agendas.

He also maintained that there had been no decline in the government's public popularity.