(UTV|COLOMBO) – Minister of Sports Harin Fernando announced the opening of the final stage of the 45th National Sports Festival at the Vincent Dias Stadium in Badulla yesterday with Governor of Uva Province Maithri Guneratne, Uva Chief Minister Laksiri Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Sports Chulananda Perera and Director General Sports Dhammika Muthugala also being present.
Two great sports personalities who are products from the Uva Province former national record holder for 400m hurdles Harjan Ratnayake and Shanika Rajapaksa a former woman footballer lit the Olympic Torch to mark the beginning of the Games.
The Minister speaking on the occasion said that this is the first time a mega national event is taking place in Badulla and it makes history for the people of Badulla.
“The biggest problem Sri Lanka has at present is the lack of grounds with synthetic tracks for outstation young sports stars to progress in their careers,” said the Minister.
“There are many grounds for cricket to play international matches but we have only one complex with a synthetic track. It is high time to construct these types of tracks in all nine provinces giving our athletes the opportunity of running on them and gain experience to reach higher standards and qualify for international competition.”
“All authorities should take note of this and they will have to continue to make it a reality for the benefit of our sporting stars who are eagerly waiting to reach the highest levels and to bring glory to the country by competing in international championships,” the Minister said.
Governor Maithri Guneratne addressing the gathering said many young students are unable to continue with their sporting careers mainly due to financial difficulties. “Most of these young hopefuls fade away once they leave school as their parents are unable to bear heavy costs for sporting activities. There have been many instances where parents have approached me for assistance which I have given them according to available resources. This has helped some Uva Province sporting stars to reach national level.”
Today the athletic events commence with the 10,000m men’s and women’s events at 6.00 a.m. and will continue throughout the day. The Festival will come to a close on Sunday with the awards ceremony.
(DN)
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