The Colombo District Sports Festival of the National Youth Sports Fest began this morning (23) at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports Complex in Diyagama, under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinindu Saman Hennayake.
Colombo District Parliamentarians Lakshman Nipunarachchi and Chandana Suriyarachchi, the Colombo District Secretary, the Provincial Director of the National Youth Services Council, Colombo District Director Sumith Galloluwa, and several officials were present at the inauguration.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister Hennayake said that a new programme will be launched next year to bring the 23% of Sri Lankan youth who are currently outside the youth club network into the system.
He added that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, together with other ministries, is working to build a future-ready youth generation through youth-focused development projects.
The Deputy Minister noted that while trophies symbolize achievement, the broader goal is to foster a strong sports culture among young people. He also announced that the National Youth Policy is expected to be launched next year, with the aim of shaping a youth community with a new vision.
The sports festival’s closing ceremony will be held this afternoon (23) under the patronage of former Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and current Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, along with National Youth Services Council Chairman and Director General, Attorney-at-Law Supun Wijeratne.
The National Youth Sports Fest 2025 is scheduled to take place on December 19, 20, and 21 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports Complex in Diyagama.
