Twenty-one players selected to the Sri Lanka Rugby ‘Tier 3’ national pool were formally included in the government’s “Mission Olympic” program during a ceremony held today (26) at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Under the initiative, each player will receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 135,000 in recognition of their performances in local and international rugby competitions over the past year.

In addition, 16 members of the Sri Lanka women’s rugby team who recently won the Casa 7s tournament were each awarded a one-time incentive payment of Rs. 180,000.

The allowance handover ceremony was held at the Duncan White Auditorium under the patronage of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage.

Addressing the event, the Minister said Sri Lankan rugby had undergone a major revival after a period of administrative and legal challenges. He said the Rugby Union was re-established through reforms including the resolution of court cases, temporary administration under the Ministry, the introduction of a new constitution and the holding of elections to appoint new office-bearers.

Gamage said these reforms had helped Sri Lanka climb to third place in Asian rugby rankings.

He also noted that this was the first time a team sport had been included in the “Mission Olympic” program, which had previously focused only on athletics. The Minister said the government hoped to extend similar support to other team sports with international potential.

The Minister further stated that Cabinet approval had already been granted to introduce a mechanism to provide government employment opportunities for national-level athletes, with administrative arrangements currently in progress.

The event was attended by officials of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Department of Sports Development, the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union and national rugby players. (Newswire)

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