Sports Ministry Owes Millions to Athletes
Sri Lanka’s medal-winning athletes at the Asian Games 2023 are yet to receive their prize money from the Sports Ministry, even though a year has passed since their remarkable triumph. Dr. Shemal Fernando, Director General at the Department of Sports Development, who was appointed to his position just a year ago, stated that necessary steps have been taken to settle amounts due.
“We faced a problem regarding the payment since there was no money in the National Sports Fund,” said Fernando. “Since I can’t be silent about this matter, we requested funding from the Cabinet. Unfortunately, it was denied. However, we received Cabinet approval to pay those prize monies from the funding allocated for other projects in the Department of Sports Development, and the process is now underway.”
Sri Lankan athletes participated in the Asian Games 2022, which was postponed to 2023, going medal-less for 15 years since 2008. However, they produced four medals and finished 8th in the Athletics medal tally.
Tharushi Karunarathne secured a Gold medal in the 800m, creating a new buzz for Athletics, where sponsors and fans have turned their attention toward athletic achievements. Additionally, Javelin Thrower Nadeesha Dilhani Lekamge, the Men’s 4x400m relay team, and the Women’s 4x400m relay team clinched bronze medals. Sri Lanka also won the Silver medal in the 4x400m mixed relay but was unfortunately later disqualified due to stepping out of the lane during the race.
The prize money scheme, announced in 2021 by former Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, states that a Gold medalist at the Asian Games is entitled to Rs. 15 Million, while Silver 10 Million, and Bronze 5 Million. The team that wins a Gold medal receives Rs. 30 Million, Silver 20 Million, and Bronze 10 Million. Coaches were also entitled to 25% of the prize money.
Accordingly, the Ministry owes Rs. 15 Million to Tharushi, 10 Million to Dilhani, and another 10 Million each to the two relay teams. Coaches are also entitled to a total of Rs. 10 Million (25% of the total), which amounts to a total prize money of 51.25 million for the four medals.
In addition, finalists at the Asian Games are also entitled to receive Rs. 500,000 each. Nadeesha Ramanayaka (400M-5th), Aruna Darshana (400M -6th), Kalinga Kumarage (400M -7th), Gayanthika Abeyrathne (1500M-4th, 800M -8th) and Sarangi Silva (Long Jump -6th) are the beneficiaries.
Thus, the total outstanding amount increases to 55 Million Rupees.
According to the scheme, Olympic Gold medalists are entitled to Rs. 50 million. Paralympic Gold medalist Dinesh Priyantha who won gold in 2021 was a recipient of this amount.
Meanwhile, Fernando further stated that the Ministry of Sports prioritized the National Elite Pool and helped them achieve Olympic qualification during the last six months.
“As per the guidance from the Minister of Sports, the focus was on the 58-member National Pool (including 25 Para athletes) and their overseas competitions (with a focus on the Olympics). Viren Nettasinghe (Olympic-qualified shuttler) competed in 11 international competitions with his coach, and all funding was provided by the Department. Additionally, all funding requests by Sri Lanka Athletics on behalf of Tharushi, Aruna and Dilhani were promptly addressed by the Department,” said Fernando.
“For the first time, coaches also received the same payment as athletes in the super elite pool since last January. The Department has learned from past experience and will ensure proper management of funding. We are committed to spending our entire budget this year, prioritizing athletes’ needs and sports infrastructure,” added Fernando.
