Colombo, 07 September 2026 - The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka) welcomed Prof. Sampath P. Amaratunge, former Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), former Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and recently recognized as an Academic Guardian of Olympic Values under the international Ethos Universitas framework, for a discussion on the future development of sport, education, and youth empowerment initiatives in Sri Lanka.

 

The meeting was attended by NOC Sri Lanka President Mr. Asanga Seneviratne, Vice President Mr. Prithiviraj Perera, Ms. M.K.A. Anoma Rathnayaka, Mr. Trevor Reckerman, Ms. Nipuni Darshika, and Ms. Mehara Weeratunga. During the discussion, Mr. Perera presented an overview of NOC Sri Lanka’s “Fit for Life” Programme. The initiative seeks to harness the power of sport to promote health, education, social inclusion, and sustainable community development while creating pathways for young people to achieve their full potential through sport and learning.

 

During the discussion, Mr. Perera highlighted the programme’s vision of using sport as a catalyst for positive social change, particularly among children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Special attention was given to the challenges faced by talented young athletes from rural communities, including limited parental support, restricted access to educational opportunities, and other socio-economic barriers that often hinder their development.

 

President Mr. Asanga Seneviratne emphasized the importance of addressing inequalities and discrimination within sport and ensuring that every young athlete is provided with an opportunity to succeed regardless of their background. Discussions also focused on the role of education as a key component of long-term athlete development and personal advancement.

 

Drawing from his own extensive sporting background, Prof. Amaratunge shared valuable insights into how sport contributes to leadership, discipline, resilience, teamwork, and personal growth. Reflecting on his own journey, he noted that his experiences in sport had enabled him to approach challenges from a broader perspective and had positively influenced both his academic and professional career. He expressed his appreciation for the progress being made by NOC Sri Lanka in strengthening athlete development pathways and integrating educational opportunities into sports development initiatives.

 

A key topic discussed was the challenge of transportation, which continues to be a significant barrier for many young athletes, particularly those residing in remote and rural areas. Participants explored possible solutions and support mechanisms that could improve accessibility and participation in both sport and education.

 

The meeting further examined opportunities to increase access to higher education for athletes. Discussions included the possibility of establishing partnerships with private universities to provide scholarships, discounted tuition fees, and flexible study arrangements that would allow student-athletes to balance their sporting and academic commitments. Academic pathways in disciplines such as Sports Studies, Management, and Social Sciences were identified as areas that could offer meaningful opportunities for athletes pursuing higher education.

 

Another important area of discussion was the need to develop a reliable database to track athletes transitioning into higher education. Such information would support evidence-based decision-making and assist in creating programmes that encourage greater participation in tertiary education among Sri Lanka’s sporting community.

 

Prof. Amaratunge also expressed his willingness to explore collaborative initiatives with NOC Sri Lanka that strengthen the relationship between sport and education. Potential opportunities for collaboration with higher education institutions, including universities with strong sports faculties and research capabilities, were discussed as possible avenues for future development.

 

The discussion also highlighted the potential for building partnerships that could enhance athlete education, research, capacity building, and long-term career development, ensuring that athletes are supported both during and beyond their competitive sporting careers.

 

The meeting concluded with a productive exchange of ideas and a shared commitment to exploring future collaborative initiatives that will strengthen the connection between sport and education while creating greater opportunities for Sri Lanka’s next generation of athletes.

 

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