Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 30, 2024: The search for the next-Gen Olympians in Sri Lanka received a massive boost with apparel-tech conglomerate MAS Holdings investing over Rs. 550 million (US$1.8M) to establish the MAS Athlete Training Academy in July 2024.
Sri Lanka’s largest Public Private Partnership will involve the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Education, the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Athletics Association and the Sri Lanka Olympians Association.
The academy will identify, develop and support promising young athletes to represent the island nation at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
MAS Holdings has received approval from the Sri Lankan Government towards the long-term development of medal-winning talent.
“Over the years, all of Sri Lanka’s Olympic medals have been in athletics. It is a sport that has immense potential but limited support, with many successful athletes coming from rural and impoverished backgrounds.
"We felt it was time to take athletics in Sri Lanka seriously, making an impactful investment to harness the potential of young athletes and prepare them to compete and succeed at the highest level globally,” said MAS Holdings Co-Founder and Chairman Mahesh Amalean.
Sri Lanka has won just two Olympic medals in its history, both silver medals and in athletics: Duncan White in the men’s 400m hurdles at the London 1948 Games and Susanthika Jayasinghe in the women’s 200m in Sydney 2000.
The US$1.8 million investment will be channelled over an eight-year period towards a holistic development programme combining focused training, world-class athletic gear, international exposure, nutritional and educational support with funds and equipment being provided directly to the athletes and their coaches.
Following an evaluation of more than 200 athletes from the all-island games in May 2024, the first batch of 56 athletes (24 girls and 32 boys) have been selected from across the country’s nine provinces in track and field.
“Sri Lanka has tremendous potential to excel in athletics. Even with basic training in the past, our athletes have demonstrated remarkable talent and determination, leading to many significant wins.
"With support and modern training techniques, we can surely produce more medal winners. As a former Olympian, I am happy to support the academy and its mission in nurturing future champions.
"I commend MAS Holding for fueling the Olympic dream,” said Sriyani Kulawansa, President of the Sri Lanka Olympians Association and a former Asian champion in the women’s 100m hurdles.
