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Opatha to head Fingara Cricket Academy
The Fingara Cricket Academy, is the latest addition to the ever increasing cricket facilities in this cricket crazy island. This Cricket Academy at Old Kesbawa Road, Raththanapitiya, Boralesgamuwa, once completed will come upto international standard, one of the best in the sub-continent. It will serve as a grounding school for the entire region. This will serve the needs of the future budding cricketers.

The Lankans have a passion for the game and has made a name by producing some of the best internationally famed willow wielders who have dazzled fans at home and abroad, since the country gained Test status in 1981.

Tony Opatha, the dynamic former Sri Lankan opening bowler had a long stint for the country from 1970-1982. He played in the inaugural Test team and served the game well at home and abroad. After a long stint abroad spanning over two decades as a player cum coach, he has returned to the island for good, from Netherlands.

He has coached teams at national level in Bangladesh, Denmark, Ireland and managed the Holland National team. Besides, he coached teams in the Black townships in Johannesburg. Opatha will be the head coach of the Academy run by an internationally reputed panel, who possess the know-how to instill the fundamentals of the game. Leading school heads from the metropolis have given their blessings to the Fingara Academy.

It's a brainchild of diehard cricket supporter Mervyn Jayasinghe, the Deputy Chairman of Ceylinco Group. The trainees will be afforded with all the facilities. This in turn will give them that much needed confidence to be totally committed. If they have a vision, then the Academy is there to assist them. How many students are you going to accommodate? Our aim is cricket for those who are dedicated. Cricket for the entire week starting at 2.00 p.m.

There are five international standard nets. Every net will be provided with a video camera and a bowling (batting) machine. Besides, a swimming pool, gymnasium, basketball court, table tennis, hot and cold water showers, video library. A restaurant and a coffee shop. The Academy will have a performance analysis centre, where a parent will be constantly updated of the student's progress.

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