The country’s first Test ground, the P. Saravanamuttu Oval, has received streamlined renovation with yet another phase of ground development completed ahead of the Third and final Test Match between Sri Lanka and India.

The latest modifications are on the Dr. Ranjan Shanmugam Stand, named after a former General Secretary of the Club, which is located above the old Mahadevan Sathasivam Stand.

The new stand has several hospitality boxes for the VIPs and is up to modern standards.

The Mahadevan Sathasivam Stand also has seen several renovations. The legendary Sathasivam was the epitome of the happy-go-lucky sort of bloke. It seems apt that sitting the bar in the Sathasivam Stand reminds one of the batting stylist’s fast track lifestyle.

The stand named after one of the greatest cricketers the land has produced has also a collection or rare pictures and memorabilia. It has a photograph of the 1950 Tamil Union team that won the first P. Sara Trophy and pictures of Sir Don Bradman going out to bat at the Saravanamuttu Oval. The bar also houses a photograph of Muttiah Muralitharan, the world’s leading wicket taker. Muralitharan plays domestic cricket for Tamil Union. There are also unique pictures of Sri Lanka’s first Test Match and the one that catches the eye is that of the former President J.R. Jayawardene greeting England icon Sir Ian Botham, termed ‘Bionic Botham’ in his heyday.

Next to the home dressing room, the Tamil Union has renovated and put up a two storey stand after the former Ceylon all-rounder Sathi Coomaraswamy. Tamil Union officials said that for both the Sathi Coomaraswamy Stand and Dr. Ranjan Shanmugam Stand, families of both those too had contributed.

The new renovations made at a massive cost have upgraded the ground to world class standards, and the Tamil Union C & AC hopes to complete the development programme that was begun in the year 2000 with a proposed renovation at the Air Force Flats end. The proposed new structures according to the Tamil Union are an extension of the media facilities, viewing blocks, a dormitory and an electronic scoreboard at an estimated cost of Rs.75 million and will start soon.

Since the development work began eight years ago, Tamil Union has put up a Sports Complex, which also comprises the club’s gym. Then there’s also the swimming pool next to the Media Center. The two dressing rooms were also renovated along with a room for the Umpires and Match Referee.