Sports Minister Calls for Greater Focus on School Sports to Build Future Athletes

🛑 One in four schoolchildren suffers from depression.
🛑 Sporting success cannot be achieved like instant noodles.

A ceremony to distribute sports equipment sets to several schools in the Colombo District was held today at the auditorium of the Ministry of Sports in Colombo.

The programme was held under the patronage of Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, with equipment being donated to 48 schools.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Chathura Edirisuriya of the Sports Medical Unit said:

“Taking part in sports improves our physical fitness. The World Health Organization has found that schoolchildren should engage in physical activity for about one hour a day, involving activities that make them active and moderately tired. Every child should also engage in exercises that strengthen the muscles at least three days a week.”

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said:

“A ceremony to distribute cricket training and practice equipment to schools was held today at the Duncan White Auditorium of the Ministry of Sports in Colombo.

This equipment will be provided to 500 schools across the island. Today, equipment was distributed to schools in the Colombo District.

Equipment is being provided today to schools in the Colombo District.

Dr. Chathura Edirisinghe of the Sports Medical Unit said:

“One in four schoolchildren suffers from depression. This is a very serious situation. Lack of exercise and participation in sports is one of the reasons for this. Sitting continuously and not engaging in sports can hinder the development of educational skills.

Children as young as 10 to 15 are now also suffering from high cholesterol and diabetes. Children need to remain physically active for at least one hour a day.”

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said:

“Our country should have some of the world's top athletes, but unfortunately, this has not happened in the past. As a country, we have achieved victories in sports.

The highest number of medals Sri Lanka has won at the Asian Games is six. Sporting success cannot be achieved like instant noodles.

In another four or five years, we should be able to develop good athletes through the school system. An allowance of Rs. 10,000 will be provided to 1,500 school athletes.

Cuba has about half our population, yet it has won around 200 medals. The number of medals a country wins is not determined by its population or its economy. It is determined by management.

Compared with previous years, the President has allocated a larger amount of money for sports through the national budget.”

Give feedback