Physical fitness programme by Sports Ministry

Yasaratne GAMAGE

The Ministry of Sports has implemented a physical fitness programme from October 06 at the Ministry to improve the fitness levels of the staff. This is as per a directive by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to facilitate the improvement of the physical health of the government servants and to create a public sector that is of adequate mental well being. The Ministry of Sports emphasizes that this programme will create a public service that is productive, so as to efficiently conclude the daily tasks. Further, it is hoped that by exercising illnesses such as high cholesterol, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, stress levels, neurotic diseases, can be reduced.

This programme will be conducted on two days weekly. Each officer that will be participating in this programme will be made to go through a medical checkup and a personal medical file will be opened thereafter to check the progress every three months.

Steps have already been taken to educate the staff about having balanced diets and correct dietary intakes. Furthermore, lectures will be conducted to give the staff the necessary technical knowledge needed to increase their physical well being.

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage stated that a special project is under preparation as per the President's advice to create a programme that can be initiated to see the participation of all Public Servants. The pilot project will commence at 9.00am today at the Department of Sports Development grounds with the presence of the Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.