The management of the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) has reportedly taken a decision to ban spectators from climbing up to treetops to view internationals at the popular cricketing venue due to risks posed to people’s lives.

According to an informed source from the RDICS management, spectators who have been turned back due to unavailability of tickets have been in the habit of scaling tall trees situated in the ‘F’ Zone of the ground in order to get a vantage point to view matches.

However, Dambulla Stadium officials have opted to intervene in the matter by erecting barriers preventing fans from scaling trees situated in the ‘F’ Zone of the ground and to also put up hoardings to enlighten them on the dangers caused by their actions.

An official from the Dambulla Stadium management said that already a margosa tree situated in the aforementioned zone had been uprooted by its workers.

He added that a bidi leaf tree nearby, which had been climbed regularly by spectators to view the action in the ground, was also situated precariously at present and in danger of falling.

According to him, the measures to prevent spectators from climbing treetops have been implemented since last Wednesday (13), when the first ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was played. 

(JK)