cricket tournament in two weeks time, despite concerns over security
No country has contacted us over this bombing incident. We are going ahead
NEW DELHI. Feb J: A World Cup official on TYnirs day hinted at the possibility of cancelling matches In Srl Lanka because of Wednesday's bomb attack in Colombo, but said an early decision was unlikely. report agencies
"It’s a major problem." organising committee member Amrit Mathur said, reacting to the bomb blast in Central Colombo
"This is an unprecedented situation and least expected. It obviously cannot be taken lightly." he said adding that the organisers were in constant touch with cricket officials in Sri Lanka to determine the future course of action.
"If need be. we may have to shift the venues of the four matches allotted to Sri Lanka, but that will only be a last option, and only if Sri Lanka themselves refuse to hold the matches." Mathur said.
Meanwhile. Sri Lanka is going ahead with preparations to host the World Cup
with preparations for the matches, said Tissa Gu- » naratne. a spokesman for th#'-Sri Lankan cricket board. "We J have not even conslderefT^ calling off the matches." K
The board's organising committee Is still confldeii^ that security at the four matches to be held, in Sri., Lanka would be sufficient. ' said Gunaratne.
The government has made; elaborate security during tlfe World Cup, but the attack I came as reminder that the-* rebels can mount such a devastating attack in the capital : city. .ri:
Given the situation. Use) organising committee of the 12-nation World cup la re-■ viewing the security situa-b. tion, said a cricket official Hw Calcutta, India, where the or. > ganising committee is headquartered. 'L.
Sri Lanka., co-hosts of the. World Cup with India and Pakistan from February 11 to March 17. are scheduled tb play three of their four, matches in Colombo against Australia on February 17. Zimbabwe (Feb 21) and West indies (Feb 25).
The fourth-match against/ Kenya on March 6 was allotted to the popular hill resort, of Kandy in central Sri Lanka.