The token handover of allowances and the formal inclusion of newly selected players into the Sri Lanka Rugby ‘Tier 3’ National Pool under the “Mission Olympic” program took place today (26th) at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The initiative was launched to recognize and reward talented young players who demonstrated exceptional performance in domestic and international rugby arenas over the past year. Accordingly, 21 players from the Sri Lanka Rugby pool will receive a monthly allowance of LKR 135,000 each. Furthermore, a one-time incentive of LKR 180,000 each was awarded to the 16 members of the women’s rugby team who recently clinched the championship at the Casa 7s tournament.
The allowance presentation ceremony was held at the Duncan White Auditorium of the Ministry, presided over by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage highlighted the extensive efforts made to revive the sport, stating that the Rugby Union was re-established after a major struggle to bring Sri Lankan rugby back to its current standard.
The Minister explained that when he assumed office, rugby in the country was in a dismal state. However, by resolving pending lawsuits, managing the administration under the Ministry temporarily, introducing a new constitution for the Rugby Football Union, and subsequently holding a transparent election to appoint new office-bearers, the sport has been successfully revitalized. He proudly noted that as a result of these structural reforms, the Sri Lanka National Rugby team has now climbed to the 3rd position in Asia.
He further noted that this marks the first time a team sport has been included in the “Mission Olympic” program, which was previously reserved exclusively for track and field athletes. The Minister expressed his intention to include more team sports that display international potential in the future to further motivate athletes.
The Minister emphasized that the Ministry has gone to great lengths to support athletes and ensure professionalism in sports. He added that it is now the responsibility of the players to utilize these opportunities effectively and remain fully committed to the game.
He further stated that the current government’s policy is not merely to compete for victory alone, but to achieve victory through a holistic sports culture that prioritizes gaining valuable experience.
Furthermore, the Minister revealed that Cabinet approval has already been granted to formulate a structured mechanism to provide government employment opportunities for national-level athletes, and the related administrative processes are currently underway.
The event was attended by Aruna Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; I. P. Wijeratne, Director General of the Department of Sports Development; other ministry officials; Pavithra Fernando, President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union; and national rugby players.
