President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed officials of the Sports Ministry to formulate strategic plans to produce athletes capable of winning international recognition and to promote sports nationwide to foster a healthy population and a strong sports culture.The President issued these instructions during a meeting held on the morning of October 29 at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss the 2027 budget proposals for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Highlighting non-communicable diseases as a major current healthcare challenge, President Dissanayake emphasized that sports and physical activity play a vital role in addressing this issue. He stressed the need for mindset shifts to encourage active and healthy lifestyles among the public. He also noted that while walking tracks have been constructed island-wide, their intended utility remains underutilized in certain areas, calling for new initiatives to encourage public use.To properly plan these programs, the President underscored the importance of maintaining an accurate and updated database of sports grounds, walking tracks and indoor stadiums across the country.

During the discussion, several proposed infrastructure and development projects for 2027 were detailed. Key proposals include establishing a National High-Performance Centre to elevate Sri Lankan athletes’ skills to international standards, constructing a 400-meter synthetic running track in Anuradhapura, resolving existing shortcomings to develop the Diyagama International Stadium, upgrading the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, and initiating joint research on sports and exercise involving sports medicine institutes and universities. Additionally, the meeting reviewed the progress and future plans of programs conducted by the National Youth Services Council and the National Youth Corps.