The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has commenced providing financial grants to Sri Lankan athletes under the ‘Mission Olympics 2028’ athlete support programme. 

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said the programme was officially launched yesterday, where the government was granting an athlete a monthly allowance of Rs. 210,000, while a coach receives Rs. 100,000 per month.

“Under the ‘Mission Olympic 2028’ initiative, starting this April, we’re categorizing athletes into four groups and paving the way toward the Olympics. Our hope is to win a medal at the 2028 Olympics. Yes, we will win, as a nation,” the Sports Minister said in a statement on social media. 

In September this year, Cabinet approval was granted for the implementation of the “Mission Olympics” programme, under which athletes will be contracted until the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and will be provided with the necessary financial and other support for their training. 

The Ministry of Sports has planned the “Mission Olympics 2028 – Journey to the Rings” to identify athletes who have shown exceptional talent and those who have Olympic hopes for the future, providing them with the necessary financial and other facilities through this program.