The Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena stated that the nation is proud of sportsmen and women who courageously display to the world that a nation faced with financial challenges can rise again. He said this on 24.08.2023 at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo at the opening ceremony of the 47th National Sports Games.
This year, 262 gold medals, 262 silver medals and 360 bronze medals will be awarded in the national sports tournament organized jointly by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Department of Sports Development. In this tournament, 916 athletes (464 male and 452 female) are going to compete representing all the nine provinces.
Speaking on this occasion the Prime Minister stated that –
Sports and training contribute to the future foundation of a nation. All Sri Lankans are looking at athletes with expectation, respect, love and show friendship. The people are waiting to welcome them with extended hands. We respect the sportsmen and women who take this country to the international level. The ability to act not on winning and losing but on effort and determination is a great characteristic. We have our respect for the sports coaches and organizers as well as everyone involved in the process from the village level and to the district and provincial levels.
The country is proud of the players who courageously tell the world that a nation facing financial management challenges can rise again. It is a great strength for the country that our athletes have won many proud victories in the last eight months. May everyone, including sportsmen and women, have the courage to carry the 47th National Games forward from Point Pedro to Dewundara point and East to West more strongly.
Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Roshan Ranasinghe, State Minister of Sports Rohana Dissanayake, Director General of Sports Development Department, Shemal Fernando, Secretary to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs K. Maheshan, Governor of the Western Province Roshan Gunathilaka, Government Agent of Colombo District K. G. Wijesiri and athletes were present at this event.
Prime Minister’s Media