The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I am very pleased that the Deputy Minister of Sports, Suganth Thilakaratne, the Deputy Minister of Education, (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna, and Hon. Abdul Obe have engaged with this proposal and spoken with understanding of its thrust. As the Sports Deputy Minister knows, and as read out in the Deputy Education Minister’s speech, this is not only about adding 0.5 to the Z-score for university admission based on sporting excellence. If we are to uplift sport in this country, we must open a door specifically for this purpose.

¶ 02 A child capable of representing the nation in a national sport or competing internationally should have a clear pathway to catch up academically if they fell behind, perhaps first through a diploma and thereafter, if needed, a degree. As a country, we must keep that pathway open.

¶ 03 Regrettably, as you know, Hon. Deputy Speaker, many students who pass the Advanced Level examination cannot enter university. Roughly two-thirds of those who pass remain at home despite possessing the basic qualification for university entry, because our national universities cannot provide enough places. Therefore, for those who bring honour to the country in sport, making this opportunity available is important.

¶ 04 There are many athletes who have already triumphed internationally. Even among those who competed in the era of Hon. Suganth Thilakaratne, there are outstanding athletes with medals at South Asian, Asian and other international levels. If this proposal takes longer to implement, we should still find a way to bring them into the system. I raised the case of our champion athlete Susanthika. I have repeatedly asked whether this country ever celebrated her Olympic medal properly. I saw her celebrating that milestone with Sri Lankans in Melbourne, and it saddened me. No one else here seems close to winning an Olympic medal any time soon. Regardless of politics, at the very least the present Sports Minister should look into this.

¶ 05 I also thank the Deputy Minister of Sports and believe the Deputy Minister of Education spoke with understanding. I trust you will take the necessary steps to carry this proposal forward. I conclude by thanking all who supported it, and thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for the time.

¶ 06 Question put, and agreed to.