Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 4, 2026: Promising track athlete Lahiru Achintha, who won a gold medal in the 1500 metres at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain last year, was among 37 Sri Lankan athletes who were financially rewarded by the Sports Ministry on Tuesday, June 2.
Sri Lanka athletes who excelled internationally in 2024 and 2025 were presented with a total of Rs. 61.38 million (US$185,000) at a ceremony held at the Sports Ministry in Colombo.
Achintha was the biggest beneficiary receiving an award of Rs. 5 million (US$15,000). He was one of 11 athletes who participated at the 3rd AYG in Bahrain to receive financial rewards totalling Rs. 18.18 million (US$55,000).
Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, who presented the awards, said the financial rewards paled in comparison to the prestige the athletes brought to the island-nation, adding that the money was given as a gift to encourage the athletes in their future endeavours.
Athletes and their coaches who performed at the 2024 World Para Athletic Championships in Japan, the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris and the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in India were also recipients of this largesse.