November 21, 2006- 9.30 GMT 
 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the relevant authorities to adhere to the UNESCO and Archaeological requirements to protect the Galle Fort which has been declared a World Heritage, when designing the construction of the Galle International Cricket ground.

The President issued these instructions at a discussion held at Temple Trees today (21) in connection with the construction of the cricket ground. He instructed the authorities to form a committee including all sectors.

Former senior cricketers pointed out that out of the 11 international cricket matches held so far in Galle, nine had been won by Sri Lanka and their expectations were to see the Galle cricket ground elevated to international level.

It was decided during the discussions not to effect any new constructions covering the Galle Fort.