Sri Lanka’s Olympic authorities called for greater discipline, transparency and performance focus as the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka) convened a detailed briefing for athletes receiving Olympic Solidarity Scholarships ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
At the session, held at Olympic House in Colombo 07, General Manager Lal Wickrematunge urged scholarship holders to remain committed to long-term performance development and to represent the country with pride.
Olympian Niluka Karunaratne, chairman of the NOC Sri Lanka Athletes’ Commission, also encouraged competitors to fully utilise the benefits of the programme and strive for qualification, an area where Sri Lanka has historically fallen short despite previous IOC support.
The workshop was led by Independent Selection Committee members Kapila Wijegunawardene and Srirantha Peries, who outlined the expectations of the Olympic Solidarity – Los Angeles 2028 Scholarship Programme.
The panel stressed the necessity of structured quarterly reporting, introducing a standardised format and providing guidance on best practices to ensure accountability and performance-based progress.
Athletes participated in an interactive discussion, raising questions on funding utilisation, progress planning and reporting requirements.
The scholarship programme, launched in September 2025 and running until the 2028 Games, provides monthly stipends to eight athletes.
World Athletics Championship finalist Rumesh Tharanga (javelin throw) and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Nethmi Ahinsa (wrestling) receive USD 1,500 each.
The remaining scholarship holders — Aruna Darshana (track and field), Ranithma Liyanage (badminton), Hiruki de Silva (swimming), Lesandu Arthavidu (high jump), 17-year-old middle-distance runner Tharushi Abhisheka, and Viren Nettasinghe (badminton) — each receive USD 1,000 per month.
NOC Sri Lanka officials said the briefing was intended to help athletes make the most of the Olympic Solidarity support as the nation seeks a stronger qualification record heading into the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
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