In a generous gesture marking World Children’s Day, former Sri Lanka Cricket team captain and distinguished alumnus of Ambalagoda Dharmashoka College, Dinesh Chandimal Lokuge, inaugurated the “Ranjith Panditage Indoor Cricket Stadium.” The facility, built with his personal financial contribution, was donated to the children of the Ambalangoda area.
Under the guidance of Ambalangoda Dharmashoka College’s Principal, Mrs. Sanuja Jayawickrama, the indoor stadium was constructed on the college’s land at a cost of Rs. 200 lakhs, entirely financed by Dinesh Chandimal Lokage. This stadium will also be accessible to students from Ambalangoda Devananda College and Kularathne College for their practice sessions.
The stadium, named “Ranjith Panditage Indoor Cricket Stadium,” is equipped for day and night training. This dedication to Mr. Ranjith Panditage, the chairman of Demo Group, reflects Chandimal’s gratitude for Panditage’s support and mentorship from his days at Ananda College in Colombo to his national team membership.
The construction was made possible with contributions from the Sri Lanka Army under the guidance of Major General Bimal Vidanage, fulfilling the vision of Mr. Ashoka Kumara, Dinesh Chandimal Lokage’s first coach.
Chandimal, who himself played for Dharmashoka College’s under-13, under-15, and under-17 teams, expressed his hope that a talent from his village would one day represent the national team, emphasizing his commitment to the development of local cricket.
