The renovated Nandimithra Ekanayake International Artificial Hockey Stadium in Matale was officially vested with the public recently sans the presence of any politicians or invitees – a deviation from past practice.
The renovation was made possible with an investment of Rs. 110 million by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and an additional Rs. 50 million donated by the Asian Hockey Federation and the Ministry of Sports.
The stadium at present lays claim to a modern artificial hockey turf, having carried it up to international standards.
The opening ceremony was followed by the All-Island Under 16 Boys’ and Girls’ Schools Hockey Tournament, which represented the handover of the stadium to the public.