The Ministry of Sports has decided to hand over the Astro Turf in Torrington Avenue to the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation (SLHF) for a period of 30 years. In addition, the Sports Ministry and the SLHF signed a memorandum of understanding to revive the sport in the country and to conduct a series of international hockey matches in Colombo.
The Secretary of SLHF P. Vishvanathan and Sports Director General Amal Edisooriya signed this MOU to develop Hockey.
The Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa has also given his approval for the SLHF to utilize the premises and the pavilion of the Astro Turf as their headquarters and this is a good move for Hockey development. The Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa said once again we have to resume activities of the Hockey Federation with their own centre Astra Turf which is a much needed facility for the sport. The newly elected Hockey President SSP Kamal Pushpakumra always very closely works with Sports Ministry and Sport Bodies should always coordinate with the Ministry for their development. We always think the Ministry should give their support to the Sports Bodies and they try to get facilities for sport development. We saw the draw back in Hockey recently The main reason is lack of infrastructure facilities for the sport.
The Minister also said the Ministry already started reconstruction activities for the development of Matale Hockey Turf as well as Colombo Astro turf and expected to complete both Hockey turf development before end of next year. The sport Bodies also have a responsibility to develop their sport and they should work independently and not depend on the Ministry and the Government they should realize their responsibility and try to invest money for their activities.
After lapse of several years apart from the National Hockey team two Hockey clubs got a chance to go to Oman and already some practice matches are conducted before this tour. Not only Hockey we want to give good exposure for all sports said the Sports Minister.