President Calls for National Sports Culture in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to formulate a comprehensive plan aimed at fostering a sports culture across the country.

The directive was issued during a preliminary discussion on the implementation of the 2025 budget allocations and the preparation of proposals for the 2026 budget.

Presiding over the meeting, President Dissanayake reviewed the current status of projects under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, including allocations made for eight affiliated institutions for the year 2025.

He emphasized that a key challenge across all sectors, including youth and sports, has been the inadequate and ineffective utilization of budgetary provisions for development.

The President noted that while necessary allocations have been made, the failure to channel these funds effectively into relevant projects has hindered tangible public benefits. 

He stressed the importance of ensuring that the allocated funds are used efficiently within the financial year to deliver meaningful outcomes to the people.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of preparing the 2026 budget proposals with a focus on:

Establishing a national sports culture
Developing sports infrastructure
Implementing programs to identify athletes with international potential
Elevating athletes to global standards

President Dissanayake further instructed that the maximum possible support be obtained from sports associations in promoting sports, and that they be provided with the necessary facilities to do so.

He underscored that investments in sports are not solely for athletic development, but also serve broader national goals such as improving public health, enhancing social well-being, reducing crime and drug abuse, fostering community spirit, and building a dynamic and capable workforce.