The Government has announced a major sports incentive programme under the 2027 Budget, offering substantial cash rewards to Sri Lankan athletes who win medals at major international sporting competitions.
Presenting the Budget, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that Sri Lankan athletes who win Olympic gold medals will receive Rs. 100 million.
The same reward will be offered to athletes winning gold medals at the World Athletics Championships. Commonwealth Games gold medal winners will receive Rs. 75 million, while Asian Games champions will be awarded Rs. 50 million. Athletes securing gold medals at the SAARC Games will receive Rs. 15 million.
Similar reward schemes are also expected to be introduced for silver and bronze medal winners and athletes who achieve success at other international competitions.
In addition to rewarding sporting achievements, the Budget allocates Rs. 2.5 billion to encourage sports participation among schoolchildren, young people and older citizens. The initiative aims to promote a stronger sporting culture and identify promising athletes at an early stage.
A further Rs. 1.5 billion has been allocated to modernise the Sugathadasa National Indoor Sports Complex, purchase new sports equipment and construct a synthetic running track at the Sugathadasa International Stadium.
The Budget also includes funding for youth leadership development. An allocation of Rs. 77.5 million has been made for 2027 to establish a Youth Political Leadership Academy, under a wider project estimated to cost Rs. 208 million.
The proposed academy is expected to provide leadership training for young men and women and encourage their participation in regional and national decision-making processes.
