Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 18, 2026: Sri Lanka has launched a massive financial support programme worth nearly Rs. 30 million per month (US$93,000) for 146 athletes and their coaches under the country’s ambitious ‘Olympic Mission’ aimed at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Sri Lanka Ministry of Sports which is driving this programme said the initiative would provide funds for training, nutrition and living expenses while closely monitoring the progress of athletes from 12 sports.
The special programme was introduced last week under the guidance of Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage as Sri Lanka looks ahead to strengthen its preparations for LA28.
Athletes from athletics, badminton, boxing, golf, gymnastics, judo, rugby, shooting, squash, weightlifting, wrestling and Paralympic sports have been included in the programme.
The Sports Ministry has divided the athletes into four categories according to their performance and future potential.
The Tier 1 category includes 15 athletes, comprising seven from athletics, four from Paralympic sports and one each from badminton, gymnastics, weightlifting and wrestling. Each athlete in this category will receive Rs. 150,000 (US$460) as a monthly allowance and Rs. 60,000 (US$185) for nutrition, while their coaches will receive Rs. 100,000 (US$308) per month.
Tier 2 category has 25 athletes; Tier 3 has 51 athletes, including 26 rugby players, and Tier 4 has 55 athletes. They will also receive monthly allowances and funds for nutrition, on a sliding scale.
Source: Daily News