October 26, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage announced in Parliament on Friday (24) that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) allocates close to Rs. 1.5 billion annually towards the advancement and promotion of school-level cricket across the island.
Responding to a question raised by National People’s Power (NPP) MP Upul Kithsiri, the Minister highlighted that these funds are channelled through the School Cricket Association to support a wide range of initiatives — from upgrading school cricket infrastructure and providing modern training equipment, to organising tournaments that nurture emerging talent at grassroots level.
Minister Gamage further revealed that discussions are under way with the School Cricket Association to enhance cricket facilities in several districts, ensuring that young players in rural communities have better access to quality playing fields and coaching opportunities.
He noted that work has already commenced on constructing an international-standard cricket stadium in Jaffna, while another is planned for Biyagama. Several additional locations have been earmarked for future stadium projects, as part of a broader strategy to bring professional-level cricket closer to local communities.
Beyond cricket, the Minister outlined a series of government initiatives aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s overall sporting ecosystem. These include ongoing programmes to uplift athletics under the Mission Olympics 2028 initiative and the Kreeda Shakthi scheme, both designed to identify and nurture young athletes with international potential. Plans are also being finalised to introduce special allowances for athletics coaches, recognising their critical role in shaping the next generation of sports talent.
Minister Gamage reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming school and community-level sports into sustainable development platforms, emphasising that investment in youth and sports will remain a national priority in the coming years.
