Sri Lanka marks Olympic Day

 Former Olympic silver medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe leads a group of Sri Lankan Olympians during the Olympic Day celebrations at Independence Square in Colombo

By Susil Premalal

The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) commemorated Olympic Day 2026 with a vibrant celebration at Independence Square in Colombo, bringing together athletes, officials, students and sports enthusiasts in a display of unity and Olympic spirit.

Adding to the occasion was the participation of former Olympic silver medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe, who joined several of Sri Lanka’s Olympians in the Olympic Day Walk and torch ceremony.

Several distinguished Sri Lankan Olympians carried the Olympic torch during the event, including Niluka Karunaratne, Chamara Dharmawardana, Kyle Abeysinghe, and Viren Nettasinghe.

The celebrations commenced with a symbolic Olympic Day Walk followed by an official ceremony organised by the NOCSL. Approximately 500 participants, including athletes, sports administrators, dignitaries, stakeholders and members of the sporting community took part in the event.

Students from seven schools, Weluwana Madyamaha Vidyalaya, Anuruddha Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Ratnawali Balika Vidyalaya, Yasodara Balika Vidyalaya, St. Joseph’s College, Lumbini Maha Vidyalaya, and Asoka Maha Vidyalaya took part in the event.

Observed annually around the world, Olympic Day commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee on June 23, 1894, an event that paved the way for the revival of the modern Olympic Games. Since its introduction in 1948, Olympic Day has grown into a global movement promoting participation in sport, physical activity and the enduring Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.