He said by developing sports, the international recognition towards the country increases and all communities unite together.

PM Wickremesinghe made these remarks addressing the inaugural ceremony of the ‘43rd National Sports Festival – 2017’ held at District Sports Complex in Kotawila, Matara.

He said Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara is taking steps to develop sports to the next level. President Maithripala Sirisena has informed the Finance Minister to allocate necessary money for the development of sports in the country, he said.

The Premier also said that sports in the country should be developed to win at zonal, national and international levels. Necessary programs to select talented players, support them to come forward, and allocate money for them are being implemented by the Sports Ministry. He also commended the achievements of athletes in the Northern Province.