Government Launches Rs. 450 Million Programme to Promote Sports Among School Students

The government has launched a new 450 million rupee programme aimed at increasing the participation of school students in sports activities across the country.

The inauguration ceremony of the project was held yesterday (08) at the Department of Sports Development premises under the leadership of Sunil Kumara Gamage. During the event, the official distribution of sports equipment to schools was also launched.

Under this programme, full financial allocations have been made to improve school playgrounds and provide the necessary sports equipment to schools.

As the first phase, sports equipment worth 25 million rupees was distributed. Symbolically, the Minister handed over equipment to three selected schools.

The distributed equipment included items required for Cricket, Rugby, Netball, and athletics events.

Addressing the event, Sunil Kumara Gamage stated:

“Sports is no longer just a form of entertainment. The government views it as an important sector that protects the future of students. Cabinet approval has already been granted to provide employment opportunities and necessary facilities for talented athletes.”

During the event, clarification was also given regarding a recent incident where a volleyball team was unable to travel abroad.

S. Achuthan stated that the list of players who were scheduled to travel overseas on May 8 had been submitted to the selection authorities on April 29, while the department received the documents only on April 30.

He further explained that the required documents, which should have been submitted 21 days in advance, were handed over only during the final week, causing inconvenience to both players and parents. He added that an explanation has been requested from the relevant volleyball federation regarding the matter.