The distribution of a monthly nutrition allowance of LKR 10,000 for 1,500 school athletes under the “Kreeda Shakthi” fund, aimed at encouraging young sportsmen and sportswomen, took place today (08th) at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Presided over by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Sunil Kumara Gamage, the allowance was symbolically awarded to 100 school athletes during the event.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Dinindu Saman Hennayake; Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Aruna Bandara; Director General of the Department of Sports Development, Mr. S. Achchudan; and the Chairman of the National Sports Council, Mr. Priyantha Ekanayake.
The recipients include students at the provincial pool level under the ages of 18 who engage in volleyball, netball, football, and athletics, as well as students who have shown excellence in the All-Island School Games and at the national level. Accordingly, athletes who excelled in gymnastics, weightlifting, badminton, table tennis, wrestling, boxing, karate-do, judo, hockey, swimming, basketball, kabaddi, taekwondo, squash, and carrom are also receiving this allowance.
The “Kreeda Shakthi” program is implemented with several key objectives: identifying exceptional talent at the youth and junior levels and providing necessary facilities for their training; providing a nutrition allowance of LKR 10,000 per month from March to December (totaling LKR 100,000); paving the way for athletes to enter national and high-performance pools through systematic, long-term training; providing opportunities to participate in international competitions based on national-level achievements; supporting the development of the sports sector by maintaining a second-tier pool; and providing financial relief for economic difficulties faced by athletes during their training.
These athletes were selected based on their achievements in the 2025 National School Games organized by the Ministry of Education, points obtained through national and international rankings, and victories at Provincial School Games.
As an additional selection method, individual and team athletes who secured first, second, or third places in international tournaments were also qualified for the “Kreeda Shakthi” program based on selection committee recommendations.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mr. Sunil Kumara Gamage requested school athletes to directly inform the Ministry if they face any difficulties or shortages of sports equipment. The Minister stated that the Ministry is ready to provide the necessary facilities for such athletes.
The Minister further mentioned that the Ministry has planned to provide the necessary facilities and guidance to school athletes with the ultimate goal of creating a sports-loving, active citizenry. He also revealed that while this allowance was given to 760 athletes last year under the “Kreeda Shakthi” program, the number has been doubled this year.
Expressing his views, the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Dinindu Saman Hennayake, stated that supporting school athletes is essential to uplift sports in the country. The Deputy Minister further emphasized that no athlete should be held back due to economic hardships and that this program is being implemented to further develop school sports.
