By Champika Fernando

After a much delay, the construction work in view of the forthcoming Asian Track and Filed Championship at the countries only international stadium, Sugathadasa stadium commenced yesterday.

Speaking to "The Island" Sports Minister Johnston Fernando said that the offering of the tender which took well over eight months has saved closed to Rs. 50 million which he said would be use to provide a new face for the whole set up of the Sugathadasa stadium, including the indoor stadium.

" I have taken the right decision at the right moment which saved us about Rs. 50 million. We can use this money to give a new face to the whole stadium," added Fernando.

The minister also said that the contractors are expected to complete the relaying of the new track before July 20.

" There wont be any problem for the athletes as I have taken all necessary steps to send them abroad before the end of this month. This will cost something around Rs.9 million. The athletes will be sent to Bangkok and Malaysia," asserted Minister.

He also said that the government has approved a sum of Rs.300 million for the Asian Championship which would be the biggest athletic event to be held in our shores.

" We have all the backing from the government in making this event a successful one. The Amateur Athletic Association (AAA) has also started the other preparatory works," he further said.

Meanwhile Rohan Amaras-inghe, the secretary of the AAA said that the AAA has appointed 22 committees in view of this historical event which would be competed by 44 countries. Over 1000 athletes are expected to take part.