Sri Lanka has taken a major step to support young sporting talent by awarding scholarships to 900 athletes, aged between 18 and 20, who showed high skill levels at recent national junior-level competitions.
This initiative is part of the 2025 Sports Power Program, implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and carried out by the Department of Sports Development.
The program aims to train youth in 21 selected sports. As part of its first phase, scholarships were officially awarded to over 300 athletes at a special ceremony held at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in Colombo.
The event was led by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage and Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne.
Under this program, each young athlete will receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 10,000 to support their sporting activities and training needs. The initiative is part of the government’s plan to help talented youth continue their sports careers while managing their education and personal expenses.
Speaking at the event, Minister Gamage stressed the importance of creating a sporting culture based on love for the game, discipline, and character—not money.
“Our country needs sportsmen and women who play with passion and good values. We are committed to giving athletes the support they need to move forward based on their talent. The future of sports in Sri Lanka depends on every athlete,” he said.
The Minister added that the government is ready to provide all necessary facilities for the athletes to rise through the ranks. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne urged young athletes to stay away from banned substances and shortcuts, warning that victories achieved through such means are short-lived. He emphasized that real and long-lasting success comes through hard work and regular training.
