There might not be any more top-flight cricket at the Galle International Cricket Stadium if the city wants the historic 17th-century Dutch fort overlooking the playing area to keep its World Heritage status.
Galle offers one of the most picturesque venues in world cricket because of the stunning fort that provides a backdrop to the action as well as a vantage point for spectators to watch the cricket.
With debate on in parliament on the matter, Faiszer Musthapha, the sport minister, has said that talks are on to build a new stadium in the city if the need arises. It’s something Jayawardena agrees with, as he has tweeted: “Why do you need another stadium in Galle if you are not removing the current one? Just change the pavilion structure if that is the issue.”
Another solution has been put forward by Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning captain and now a cabinet minister, who has asked for the demolition of the illegal structures and for temporary stands to be set up during Test matches.
“We need to keep both the heritage status for the fort and at the same time play international matches at Galle,” said Ranatunga.
