The Government is considering developing the Duraiappa Stadium in Jaffna into a fully fledged football stadium.

Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa inspected the Duraiappa Stadium in Jaffna this morning (09).

Stating that as a sportsman he was able to identify the shortcomings of the stadium, the Minister said meausres will be taken to complete renovations at the stadium over the next few years and convert the stadium as required for any sport.

He further said that the Duraiappa Stadium in Jaffna is a central point for the development of sports in the Northern Province.

“I intend to develop and convert the stadium into a football stadium. We will launch a football league tournament in the future. We will also construct a 06-lane synthetic track within the next 04 years. An outdoor fitness centre will be constructed at this stadium and nearby playgrounds as well,” the Minister said.

Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa thereafter inspected a basketball court in the area along with a group of officials.

Jaffna District Development Committee Chairman MP Angajan Ramanathan, State Minister of Rural and School Sports Infrastructure Promotion Thenuka Vithanagamage, Jaffna Mayor Emmanuel Arnold, and Sri Lankan netball star Tharjini Sivalingam accompanied the Sports Minister during the inspections. 

Managed to fit in a small workout & run at the historic Durayappah stadium in the heart of Jaffna with Hon.Thenuka Vidanagamage. Planning to build a synthetic 6 lane track & functional gym at the location, together with his lordship the mayor & Hon. @AngajanR. pic.twitter.com/savtyjFmrS

— Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) November 9, 2020