Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister and Minister of Women, Child and Youth Affairs, and Sports, has directed the Director General of Sports to open five newly completed sports facilities in Colombo, Matale, Bingiriya, and Omanthai to the public without the customary formal ceremonies. These projects were completed during the period late August and early September.
This thoughtful decision by the Hon. Prime Minister, in line with the policies of the new government, was communicated during her first meeting with the heads of departments under the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, held on September 27, 2024, at the Ministry of Sports.
The five sports facilities completed by the Department of Sports Development are as follows:
- The Olympic-Level Blue Polytan Hockey AstroTurf in Colombo.
- The Olympic-Level Blue Polytan Hockey AstroTurf in Matale.
- The 50-meter Swimming Pool at the North Western Sports Complex in Bingiriya.
- The 25-meter Swimming Pool at the Vavuniya District Sports Complex in Omanthai.
- The Multi-Sport Indoor Stadium at the Vavuniya District Sports Complex in Omanthai.
The Secretary to the Hon. Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, and the Secretary to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Mr. K. Mahesan, were also present.
In response, the Director General of Sports, Professor (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando is taking immediate steps to make these facilities available to school children, youth, and athletes across the country. The department invites sports-loving Sri Lankans to help maintain these facilities at the highest standards and to safeguard them for future generations, recognizing the significant public funds invested by the government.
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