The giant’s fall from grace
Once a proud venue for hosting international sporting events, the deteriorating condition of the Sugathadasa International Stadium has raised alarming concerns among sports enthusiasts and citizens alike.
While allegations of neglect have sparked widespread criticism, reports have surfaced detailing allegations of corrupt practices involving multiple companies and sports federations that have evaded payments, leading to substantial amounts of unsettled debt, highlighting a systemic failure in the management and maintenance.
The stadium’s plight is compounded as the venue to host elite regional competitions such as the South Asian Games and Asian Athletic Championship, struggles with issues of financial neglect by sports federations, private-owned and government organisations, schools and even political parties failing to fulfil their payment obligations.
A document compiled by the stadium management revealed that outstanding debts owed by organisations that utilised its facilities amounted to an astonishing Rs. 24,828,114.17, before the document was brought to light by the media.
In response to the situation, Chairman of the Sugathadasa Sports Complex Authority, Gamini Wickramapala said, “Since my appointment as Chairman, we have successfully recovered approximately Rs. 3 million over the past three to four weeks.”
He noted that several organisations and sports federations have begun to settle their debts. However, he expressed concern highlighting ongoing challenges as many federations and institutions still owe significant sums, leading to a cycle of reminders and delays.
Mr. Wickramapala added that some organisations began making their payments after being cautioned about the need to discontinue their agreements with the stadium.
“We need to bring this matter to a close,” he emphasised.
“I have sent reminders to all of them and spoken to some personally. While certain agreements were maintained, I have also cancelled some,” he said.
The current outstanding debt has reached Rs. 21,899,793.85, with the stadium management acknowledging their financial constraints, which hinder them from pursuing legal action.
“We haven’t gone beyond sending letters of demand because it is costly, and it would ultimately be a loss for us,” Mr. Wickramapala said.
The Sunday Times reliably learns from sources within the stadium authority, that corruption has long been an issue.
“Some organisations book their events through the Minister and the Ministry to evade payments. Others claim they will pay after the event or try to negotiate, but ultimately they end up not paying. We cannot afford to negotiate because we are short on funds as well,” a source said.
Mr. Wickramapala acknowledged that the accumulation of debt was largely due to the lack of professionalism from previous management, as well as the negligence of authoritative figures such as Ministers and Chairpersons.
“In the future, we will implement a new policy with the newly elected board: when federations with outstanding arrears come to make bookings, an additional 10% will be added to their fees. This will help us address the debt in stages,” he stated.
However, sources say the absence of initial funds to address the deteriorating conditions is alarming. With a damaged track that has remained unrepaired for over five years and an estimated cost of Rs. 500 million needed for the relaying of the track alone, the stadium’s future hangs in the balance due to financial mismanagement and neglect. Officials also admitted they currently lack even the initial funds to begin this crucial work.