Sri Lanka’s first public heated swimming pool to be built in Bandarawela

Construction of Sri Lanka’s first public heated swimming pool began in Bandarawela on Tuesday (07), with the government saying the facility is aimed at improving access to modern training infrastructure for athletes from rural areas. The foundation stone for the project was laid…

Construction of Sri Lanka’s first public heated swimming pool began in Bandarawela on Tuesday (07), with the government saying the facility is aimed at improving access to modern training infrastructure for athletes from rural areas. The foundation stone for the project was laid at the Uva Provincial Sports Complex. The facility is being developed under the direct supervision of the Department of Sports Development at an estimated cost of Rs. 144,191,250. Speaking at the event, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Sunil Kumara Gamage said the project reflects the government’s commitment to steering young people towards sports and away from crime. “Instead of producing prisoners, we want to produce disciplined sportsmen and sportswomen who can contribute to the country,” the minister said. He added that providing modern sports facilities to athletes from rural communities remains one of the government’s key priorities, enabling them to compete successfully at national and international level. Deputy Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sugath Thilakaratne, Uva Province Governor Kapila Jayasekara, Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyarathna, Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe and other government representatives attended the event. (Newswire)