Kreeda Shakthi to develop sports at village level

Ganga Ihala group corr

Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage

A programme called Kreeda Shakthi was launched to develop sports at village level. Under this programme, students with sports talent selected from school level will be granted a monthly allowance of Rs 2,500 each and avenues for overseas training to help boost their talents to international standard, said Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

He said so addressing the annual prize giving of Dheerananda Maha Vidyalaya, Pilimatalawa as the chief guest recently.

Minister Aluthgamage said steps have also been taken to develop 10 categories of sports locally in association with state banks and institutions.

Under this programme the People's Bank, Bank of Ceylon and the National Savings Bank have signed a five year contract with the ministry to support the development of netball, athletics and badminton.

He said there was a wrong attitude among certain parents that children engaged in sports neglect their studies.

Sports, on the other hand, helped to develop physical and mental health of a child, he said.

The minister said as a further boost for sports, the Higher Education Ministry has arranged to offer five berths in each faculty of studies in universities to children who have won international events in sports even if they had less marks to enter universities.

Steps have also been taken to set up international stadiums and sports grounds at regional, district and provincial level by 2016 and provide sports training to sportsmen and women with the help of new technology and qualified coaches.

Minister Aluthgamage said he would provide Dheerananda Maha Vidyalaya with a modern playground by next year.

Plantation Industries Deputy Minister Earl Gunasekara also spoke. Principal C Karunanayake presented the Principal's report.