The National Youth Sports Fest 2025 commenced today (19th) at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports Complex in Diyagama. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Jagath Wickramaratne, and the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Dinidu Saman Hennayake, with the participation of Mr. Supun Wijeratne, Chairman and Director General of the National Youth Services Council (NYSC).
Young athletes representing all provinces participated in the event. The national-level competition is being held following the successful completion of regional and district-level sports meets. Athletics events are scheduled for tomorrow (20th), while the closing ceremony will take place on the 21st at the Diyagama Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports Complex, presided over by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Dinidu Saman Hennayake stated that the youth capable of rebuilding the country following the recent disaster situation belong to the Youth Club movement—Sri Lanka’s strongest voluntary youth organization. He added that the government has undertaken the responsibility of rebuilding the nation alongside these young people, noting that the collective spirit, empathy, and dynamism fostered through sports would be vital for this journey.
Mr. Supun Wijeratne, Chairman and Director General of the NYSC, quoting tennis legend Serena Williams, remarked that “talent is not just about winning every match, but about how quickly one can rise after a fall.” He emphasized that the nation must focus on rising again after the disaster, and that the decision to hold the National Youth Sports Fest 2025 was a significant step toward the country’s recovery.
The event was attended by Member of Parliament Hon. Lakshman Nipunaarachchi, I’mSecretary of the National Federation of Youth Clubs Mithina Gihan Priyasad, officials from the NYSC and the Youth Club Federation, and a large number of young athletes.
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