Sports and Youth Affairs Namal Rajapaksa said that steps will be taken to strengthen the sports economy by holding several tournaments such as LPL in conjunction with the tourism industry.
The Minister made this observation on Saturday (27) while flagging off a Race Walking event at the 46th National Sports Festival in Kataragama.
He pointed out that the sports economy will be strengthened by directing those involved in various sports related fields such as match referees, coaches and sports coaching assistants to play and work in foreign countries after training.
He also said that the country has already begun to strengthen the sports economy by producing sporting goods and sportswear in the country and generating huge revenue.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Rajapaksa noted that last year’s National Sports Festival could not be held due to the coronavirus epidemic. Only a few competitions could be held and arrangements have been made to hold the remaining competitions this year subject to health guidelines.
“We worked to hold international competitions through the bubble concept. Today, we have taken steps to restart the sports while successfully controlling the spread of coronavirus in our country. Accordingly, the marathon, walking and cycling competitions of the 2020-46th National Sports Festival will be held for three days from today,” he said.
“In the future, we hope to launch several national and international tournaments in the country that will revitalize other sports as well, thereby contributing to the country’s sports economy. All the necessary arrangements have been made to make this year a sporting year,” he added.
Rajapaksa pointed out that the sports economy in the world has been brought to a level of 3% to 4% of the GDP and the goal is to bring it to the level of 2% or 3% in our country.
Leave your comments
Login to post a comment
Post comment as a guest