In a surprising and controversial move, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has banned the use of the Kodamunei Cricket Stadium in Batticaloa for official matches, despite the venue’s state-of-the-art facilities. The stadium, built at a cost of Rs. 750 million by a single philanthropist, has become a casualty of internal cricket politics, according to reports.
The decision, made by the Executive Council of Sri Lanka Cricket, has left several first-class sports clubs scrambling to find alternative venues. Among them is the Galle Cricket Club, which had reserved the stadium for seven home matches in the recent Premier Division II tournament. Due to the abrupt ban, the club now faces difficulties securing a suitable replacement.
The Chilaw Marians Sports Club also submitted a request to use the Kodamunei Stadium for the upcoming Premier tournament, but this too was rejected by cricket authorities.
The Kodamunei Cricket Stadium, the only fully equipped venue of its kind in the North Eastern Province, was built by a Batticaloa-born cricket enthusiast who now resides in England. A former student of St. Michael’s College, he returned to Sri Lanka and personally oversaw the construction of the stadium, which was completed in 2022. The venue’s inauguration was marked by an exhibition match featuring a team led by former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga.
Since then, the stadium has hosted numerous local and international teams, including nine matches of the prestigious Sarah Cup, organized by the Sri Lanka Cricket Institute. Players who have competed at the venue have praised its potential to boost tourism in the Eastern Province, with hopes that it could eventually host international matches.
The stadium is equipped with modern facilities, including accommodation for visiting teams, eight training pitches, and an electronic scoreboard, making it a premier venue for cricket in the region.
However, according to reports from *Lankasara*, the ban is allegedly driven by political infighting. It is said to have been influenced by two high-ranking officials from the Batticaloa District Cricket Association and a senior official in SLC responsible for managing cricket elections in the province. The move has caused an uproar, as many first-class clubs, lacking their own stadiums, have lost access to this top-tier facility.
The Kodamunei Stadium Authority is reportedly preparing to appeal the decision to President Anura kumara Dissanayake , Prime Minister Harini Amarasooriya, in hopes of reversing what they call an “unfair and arbitrary” ban.
As cricket politics continue to unfold, the future of the Kodamunei Cricket Stadium and the opportunities it offers for players and fans in the North Eastern Province remains uncertain.
