Cash Awards Worth Rs. 61.38 Million Presented to Athletes for International Achievements in 2024/25
Cash Awards Worth Rs. 61.38 Million Presented to Athletes for International Achievements in 2024/25
A total of 37 athletes and their coaches who brought honor to Sri Lanka through outstanding performances in international sporting events during 2024 and 2025 were awarded cash prizes amounting to Rs. 61.38 million at a ceremony held on June 2.
The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage, with the participation of Ministry Secretary Aruna Bandara, Director General of Sports Development I.P. Wijeratne, ministry officials, athletes, and coaches.
The financial awards were granted in recognition of achievements in several major competitions, including the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Japan, the Paris Paralympic Games, the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in India, and the 3rd Asian Youth Games held in Bahrain.
Breakdown of the awards is as follows:
- 2024 Japan World Para Athletics Championships: Rs. 8.5 million for three athletes and Rs. 1.7 million for coaches
- 2024 Paris Paralympic Games: Rs. 20 million for three athletes and Rs. 4 million for coaches
- 2025 World Para Athletics Championships: Rs. 5 million for two athletes and Rs. 1 million for coaches
- 2025 Bahrain Asian Youth Games: Rs. 18.18 million for 11 athletes and Rs. 3 million for coaches
Among the highlights, para athlete K.A. Samitha Dulanjana, who won a silver medal in the javelin throw at the Paris Paralympics, received Rs. 15 million—the highest individual award. Meanwhile, G.L. Lahiru Achintha, gold medalist in the 1500m event at the Asian Youth Games, was awarded Rs. 5 million.
Speaking at the event, Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage stated that the value of an athlete’s contribution to the nation cannot be measured in monetary terms, and the cash awards are intended to encourage their dedication. He also noted that a more structured and transparent system for awarding athletes has now been introduced.
He further added that the government has begun developing professional pathways for athletes in line with the “Rich Country – Beautiful Life” policy framework of the National People’s Power (NPP), and that the “Mission Olympic 2028” program is being implemented to systematically develop elite athletes for future international success.
