A monthly nutrition allowance of Rs. 10,000 was awarded to 1,500 school athletes under the “Kreeda Shakthi” programme at a ceremony held today (08) at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The programme, aimed at supporting and encouraging young sporting talent, was held under the patronage of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage. During the event, the allowance was symbolically presented to 100 selected school athletes.
The beneficiaries include outstanding athletes under the age of 18 competing in volleyball, netball, football, athletics, gymnastics, weightlifting, badminton, table tennis, wrestling, boxing, karate, judo, hockey, swimming, basketball, kabaddi, taekwondo, squash and carrom. The athletes were selected based on their performances at the 2025 National School Games, Provincial School Games, and national and international rankings.
Under the programme, each athlete will receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 10,000 from March to December, amounting to Rs. 100,000 per athlete. The initiative seeks to identify and nurture emerging talent, support long-term training, facilitate entry into national sports pools, and provide opportunities for international competition.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage stated that the Ministry is prepared to provide the necessary facilities and sports equipment required by school athletes. He emphasized that the programme is part of a broader effort to build a stronger sporting culture in the country and ensure that talented athletes are not hindered by financial difficulties.
The Minister also noted that while 760 athletes benefited from the programme last year, the number has been increased to 1,500 this year, reflecting the Government’s commitment to strengthening school sports.
Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinindu Saman Hennayake, Secretary to the Ministry Aruna Bandara, Director General of Sports Development S. Achchudan, Chairman of the National Sports Council Priyantha Ekanayake, and other officials were also present at the event.
