Olympic and World Championships gold medallists to receive Rs. 100 million under 2027 Budget

Sri Lankan athletes who win gold medals at the Olympic Games or World Athletics Championships will receive Rs. 100 million in appreciation awards under proposals announced in the 2027 Budget.

The Budget also proposes Rs. 75 million for a Commonwealth Games gold medal, Rs. 50 million for an Asian Games gold medal and Rs. 15 million for a SAARC gold medal. Awards will also be introduced for silver and bronze medallists at these events and for achievements at other international competitions.

The measures form part of a broader Government effort to improve elite sports performance and expand sporting infrastructure.

A National High-Performance Centre is to be established to provide athletes with sports science support, physical conditioning, nutritional counselling, sports medicine and mental preparation. Its first phase will begin at Torrington Stadium, while Rs. 300 million has been allocated for a second phase at the Diyagama Sports Complex.

The Budget also allocates Rs. 1.5 billion to develop and modernise the Sugathadasa National Indoor Sports Complex, purchase sports equipment and construct a synthetic running track at the Sugathadasa International Stadium.

Another Rs. 2.5 billion has been set aside to promote a wider sporting culture among schoolchildren, young people and older people.

Funding for work at the Anuradhapura Sports Complex, including a 400-metre synthetic running track, is also proposed to be increased from Rs. 50 million to Rs. 1 billion. The Government says the investment is intended to improve access to international-standard sporting facilities for athletes in the North Central, Northern and Eastern Provinces.

The Budget also proposes encouraging State and private universities to provide opportunities for schoolchildren who demonstrate high sporting ability, while employers will be encouraged to offer them career opportunities.

Overall, Rs. 8.5 billion has been allocated for development activities in the youth affairs and sports sector in 2027.