Athletics: All-Island Schools Games to alternate annually

The Sri Lanka All Island School Games will be held in Colombo and the Outstations this year, the Education Ministry disclosed. 

According to the National School Games concept, it alternates between Colombo and an outstation venue every year. After 1994 this 'roster' was stopped. Now the Education Ministry has decided to switch back to the old roster again. 

The reason for this is to popularise and create awareness of the School Games. 

It has been revealed that when the School Games are held in Colombo, only the participants are present, while even parents and spectators stayed away. 

Due to this there was no improvement to the grounds in the outstations too. 

When the School Games are held outstation, the venue is improved and new equipment provided for the occasion. 

According to Minister of Education, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe directed to revert to the 1984 National School Games concept. 

Hence, Special Consultant Sports- Education Ministry, Sunil Jayaweera, has scheduled the 2016 All Island School Games to be held in selected cities, with the All Island School Games Athletics Championships to be held at the Matara Uyanwatte Stadium from October 3 to 7. 

Prior to this the All Island School Athletic Championships were held in Matara, Badulla and Anuradhapura. 

The All Island School Games will be categorised into 32 Sports and conducted accordingly in selected areas. 

At the end of the competitions a National Schools Sports pool of talented Athletes will be formed.