A bilateral discussion on the advancement of Sri Lanka’s sports sector was held on the sidelines of the 2026 World Government Summit in Dubai. The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, and the Minister of Sports of the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, along with a high-level delegation, attended the event.
The discussion was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Secretary, Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, and the Specialist and Coordinating Officer, Saeed Bedour Al Falasi, of the Ministry of Sports.
The discussion was attended by Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Professor Arusha Cooray, Sri Lankan Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Mr. Alexi Gunasekara, as well as Directors of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and a group of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Several key issues were discussed to enhance cooperation in the field of sports between the two countries.
The two countries exchanged views on sports administration, and attention was drawn to obtaining the assistance of the United Arab Emirates to develop Sri Lanka’s stadiums and training centers to international standards. Furthermore, both countries agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding related to the relevant areas discussed.
Promotion of tourism by organizing international sports events in Sri Lanka, and initiating programs to exchange experiences between players and coaches of the two countries were also discussed.
The United Arab Emirates has responded positively to provide the necessary technical and financial support to elevate Sri Lanka’s sports sector to a global level.
English 
Sinhala