General: One sport for every student mandatory from 2017

The Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasm has advised his ministry officers to strictly follow with their earlier programme of ‘one sport for every student’ from 2017. 

This programme was initiated two years ago but it was not successful as most of the school authorities were not keen with this project. 

In addition, there was a lapse from the Education Ministry as well as their officials failed to monitor the programme. 

Sunil Jayaweera, Special Consultant Sports Ministry of Education said that following a research they had discovered, nearly 75 per cent of the students are not involved in any sports activity. 

Jayaweera warned if this situation continues there could be a huge shortage of top athletes coming out from the school level. 

As a result the Minister of Education has taken prompt action to implement this programme strictly from next year. 

The Minister also had a discussion with all top level officials regarding this issue on Friday (25) and decided to appoint a Special Inspection Team to monitor the programme. 

Meanwhile, Jayaweera said this programme will be conducted in addition to the daily Physical Education Project and each student has the luxury of selecting one sport for his or her career.