Reports of deterioration in the track and field facilities at Sugathadasa Sports Complex have once again come to the spotlight as a series of photographs have come to light, showing  the current condition infrastructure used by Sri Lanka’s top athletes. The Sports Complex has the only international level track  in Sri Lanka. 

These images show the conditions surrounding the long jump and triple jump events at Sugathadasa Stadium and the surrounding area.

This is an example of the substandard maintenance of the new Sugathadasa track built in 2018. It is normal practice for areas of the tract that are used often, to undergo routine maintenance.  However, pictures of the long jump and triple jump track sections clearly indicate that routine maintenance has not taken place. 

Within a short span of five years of the new track being laid, the long jump and triple jump events at the Sugathadasa Stadium have become impossible due to its current condition. The venue is where many national level track events, including long jump, high jump jump events, and throwing events are held regularly. 

It is learnt that the ongoing national selection trials for the upcoming athletic tournaments will be held at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Diyagama. It is unfortunate that Sri Lanka’s best track and field facilities are being neglected and not maintained at this time the nation is trying to revive its sporting prowers at  international level. Relevant authorities should stop bragging about past  victories and do the needful to provide adequate facilities for our next generation of athletes to shine.