Dinesh Chandimal Lokuge, the former captain of the Sri Lanka Cricket team and a Test cricketer, has generously funded and inaugurated the “Ranjith Pandithage Indoor Cricket Stadium” in Ambalangoda on World Children’s Day.
This indoor stadium, costing Rs. Twenty Million, was constructed within the premises of Dharmasoka College under the guidance of Principal Sanuja Jayawickrama.
Importantly, it’s not just for Dharmasoka College but also for the children of Ambalangoda Devananda Vidyalaya and Kularathne Vidyalaya.
Dinesh named the stadium after Mr. Ranjith Pandithage, the chairman of “Dimo Group,” who supported him throughout his journey from playing at Colombo Ananda College to becoming a National Cricket Player in Sri Lanka. This stadium can be used for day and night training.
The Sri Lanka Army contributed to the construction with the approval of the Commander of the Army and guidance from (Retired) Major General Bimal Vidanage. Dinesh’s first coach, Mr. Ashoka Kumara, played a pivotal role in this project.
Dinesh Chandimal Lokuge himself played for Dharmasoka College in under-13, under-15, and under-17 teams, as well as college cricket matches in 2004 and 2005.
Dinesh’s ultimate wish is to see someone from his hometown represent the national team in Sri Lanka one day.
