Assistance for ‘elite athletes and coaches’

By Susil Premalal

The Ministry of Sports has taken steps to provide special financial assistance and infrastructure facilities to sportsmen and women they claim are ‘elite athletes and coaches’ identified under the ‘Mission Olympic 2028 – Journey to the Rings’ project. Targeting the upcoming Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Asian Para Games, the project is designed to support selected athletes with international medal-winning potential. 

Recently, a financial grant distribution ceremony was held in Colombo under the patronage of Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage to justify the project. According to the scheme, athletes and coaches will receive monthly allowances under four categories. Under the first category, an athlete will receive Rs. 150,000 while a coach will receive Rs. 100,000. In the second category, an athlete will receive Rs. 100,000 and a coach Rs. 65,000. Under the third category, an athlete will receive Rs. 75,000 and a coach Rs. 50,000. In the fourth category an athlete will be granted Rs. 50,000 and a coach Rs. 30,000.

In addition, the Ministry claims it has decided to provide a nutrition allowance of Rs. 60,000 for every selected athlete. The Ministry also claims the project has been structured into four levels and will be reviewed and updated once every six months to ensure progress and fair allocation of funds.