The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has commenced the distribution of a monthly nutrition allowance of Rs. 10,000 to 1,500 school athletes under the “Kreeda Shakthi” fund. The programme was launched at the Ministry with the participation of Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, who symbolically presented the allowance to 100 athletes.
The beneficiaries include outstanding school athletes under the age of 18 competing in sports such as athletics, volleyball, football, netball, badminton, swimming, boxing, karate, wrestling, basketball, taekwondo, squash and several other disciplines. Selections were based on performances at the 2025 National School Games, Provincial School Games, national and international rankings, and achievements in international competitions.
Under the programme, each athlete will receive Rs. 10,000 per month from March to December, amounting to Rs. 100,000 annually. The initiative is designed to identify and nurture young sporting talent, provide financial support for training and nutrition, and create pathways for athletes to progress into national and high-performance squads.
Addressing the event, Minister Gamage encouraged athletes to directly inform the Ministry about shortages of sports equipment or other challenges affecting their development. Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake said the programme aims to ensure that no promising athlete is prevented from pursuing sporting excellence due to economic hardship.
