The government has announced cash rewards of up to Rs. 100 million for Sri Lankan athletes who win gold medals at major international sporting events under the 2027 Budget.
Presenting the Budget in Parliament today (November 12), President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that athletes who win Olympic gold medals will receive Rs. 100 million.
The same reward will be granted to athletes winning gold medals at the World Athletics Championships.
Meanwhile, gold medal winners at the Commonwealth Games will receive Rs. 75 million, while Asian Games champions will be awarded Rs. 50 million. Athletes winning gold medals at the SAARC Games will receive Rs. 15 million.
The government also plans to introduce similar cash rewards for silver and bronze medal winners and athletes who achieve outstanding results at other international competitions.
In addition, the 2027 Budget has allocated Rs. 2.5 billion to promote sports participation among schoolchildren, young people and senior citizens.
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.
