Hon. Dinesh Hemantha

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 At a time when we debate two Bills and two sets of Regulations—among them, Regulations under the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973—I wish to address several key points, particularly on sports.

¶ 03 Politically, economically and socially, the country handed over to us was dilapidated and broken; sports too could not have been an exception. We have inherited a sector of broken sports in a broken country. As a Government of the National People’s Power, we are already implementing measures to rebuild these sports and reestablish the name of Sri Lankan athletes before the world.

¶ 04 There was an accusation from the Opposition that our Government is attempting to politicize youth and sports societies. Yes, we are a political movement, but we are not a Government or a team that wants to insert politics into sports or athletes. For 75–76 years, sports clubs have been politicized. Through these Regulations, even if modest, we present a program to depoliticize all sports bodies.

¶ 05 Firstly, no Member of a Local Authority, Provincial Council, Parliament, Deputy Minister or Minister may hold or contest the key positions—President, Secretary or Treasurer—of any sports association or federation, nor submit nominations. We have ensured that. Thus, we will move sports forward free of politics.

¶ 06 An Opposition Member also questioned whether officials in Sri Lanka Cricket could be removed. We harbor neither unnecessary animosity nor undue attachment to any association. These amendments include a cap so that no President or Secretary may remain in office beyond eight years. That will apply to all associations across the country and end the era of perpetual office-holders.

¶ 07 There was also reference to athlete Tharushi Karunaratne being denied a ticket and entry at the time, though she has now conquered the world. The greater challenge in our country is that we recognize athletes only after they succeed internationally. If we had properly identified and nurtured Tharushi early, that issue would not have arisen. The Ministry has a responsibility to identify young talents early, maintain pools, and channel them toward international events. We have already taken steps, including linking the Ministry’s Advisory Council with the Schools Sports Department to identify talent at school level. Without proper selection races and criteria by associations, we cannot win. We need a new system.

¶ 08 Today, in world rankings in javelin throw, young athlete Rumesha Taranga, aged about 22, is among the top ten. We often notice such talents late. Therefore, we have initiated a structure to identify such athletes at early stages. We are preparing teams and pathways and confirming who will target the 2028 Olympics.

¶ 09 Athletes do not emerge by accident. Just as we recently saw veteran singer Gamini Jeewaratne go viral belatedly on social media, athletes too should not depend on chance. We must create structured pathways and selections at each school, even where full teams cannot be formed—like volleyball, cricket or hockey—by pooling talented individuals in a district and elevating them to national and international levels. That is the model we implement.

¶ 10 We received a broken economy, broken sports and associations. Not all associations will agree immediately. But through these Regulations under the Sports Law, we will bring associations to a common purpose: the welfare of athletes. Too many officials focus on their own perks; some associations cannot fund athletes’ overseas travel, yet send delegations of officials abroad. We will put an end to such practices and ensure facilities reach the qualified athletes.

¶ 11 An Opposition Member also cited cost-of-living figures. Global practice is not to total commodity prices individually but to use a standard basket. As of May 2024, the national poverty line is Rs. 16,421 per person; for a family of four, a minimum of Rs. 65,684 to meet basic needs. In 2023, the aggregate was around Rs. 95,000. We are reducing the cost of living. Countries assess success via indicators such as reserves, remittances, inflation, and interest rates—not fanciful claims about dollar ships being delayed.

¶ 12 Finally, through all the Orders we pass today, we commit again to our theme: “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” including via sports. Thank you.