No show by president, PM at all island schools games

For the very first time, the ongoing all island schools games is without the participation of either the president or the prime minister.

Traditionally, the president inaugurates the event, with the prime minister attending its concluding ceremony.

However, the sports minister has been the chief guest at the 2025 edition of the games so far.

Furthermore, there has been criticism that the inaugural ceremony lacked any lustre.

The games itself was short of accommodation, sanitation and nutritious meals for the participating athletes.

The PM’s office had to intervene to get one locked lavatory opened for use after a particular official had kept it closed, saying it was reserved for the VIPs.

A deputy minister took up the matter and got it opened for use for participating officials.

It seems the focus has been on cost-cutting only.

Irresponsibility on the part of officials was evident when an hurdles event was taking place at Diyagama stadium in Homagama.

The race continued even as a dog came down the track, disrupting the athletes’ rhythm.