- SL aims for 10 Olympic medals at the 2036 Games
‘Vision 2036,’ a transformative sports initiative, has set its sights on an ambitious goal: securing 10 Olympic medals for Sri Lanka at the 2036 Olympic Games which India is expected to host.
Spearheaded by national record-holder and fitness industry pioneer Talavou Alailima alongside a team of veteran sports leaders, senior administrators, and passionate professionals, this groundbreaking initiative is poised to revolutionise Sri Lanka’s sporting landscape.
At the heart of ‘Vision 2036’ is the Lion Warrior programme, a high-performance training and development initiative aimed at nurturing Sri Lanka’s most promising young athletes. By providing elite training, sports nutrition, psychological conditioning, biomechanics analysis, and world-class mentorship, the programme prepares school sports champions to dominate both regional and global arenas.
The Lion Warrior initiative integrates cutting-edge sports medicine, international competition exposure, and innovative injury prevention techniques to ensure athletes achieve peak performance.
A critical part of this pipeline is the annual ‘SportUnleash Schools Sports Awards,’ which identifies and celebrates exceptionally talented school athletes who will form the backbone of the nation’s sporting future.
Addressing the challenge
Sri Lanka’s sports achievements have long been limited by systemic challenges and an absence of long-term strategies.
‘Vision 2036,’ launched on 5 December 2023, recognises this gap and seeks to propel the nation’s athletes onto the world stage with a strategic 12-year development plan. This initiative ensures consistency in training and competition exposure, creating a sustainable model for success.
Neighbouring India’s bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, coupled with its substantial investment in sports infrastructure, has only reinforced the urgency of Sri Lanka’s response. ‘Vision 2036’ is a call to action, aimed at building a robust and competitive national sports programme that will elevate the country’s international sports profile.
Building a legacy
‘Vision 2036’ focuses on a comprehensive support system to develop a pool of 620 highly skilled and disciplined athletes, each equipped to compete at the highest levels. Underpinned by expert leadership, the initiative includes a series of specialised subcommittees that address key areas such as the following:
- Elite training and coaching standards: Led by Col. Kapila Knowlton to ensure state-of-the-art training experiences
- Sports medicine and psychology: Headed by Dr. Seevali Jayawickrama to optimise mental and physical performance
- Nutrition and supplementation: Managed by Hassan Sinhawansa and Ravi Perera for tailored dietary plans
- Apparel and equipment sponsorships: Secured by Fabian Angunawela to provide world-class resources
- Data analytics: Overseen by Gen. Rohana Bandara for performance tracking and informed decision-making
- Media and communication: Led by Gregory De Silva to inspire the next generation through athlete achievements
- Sponsorship and employment opportunities: Organised by Manoj Algama to ease financial burdens on athletes and their families
By fostering collaborations with both Government institutions and private sector partners, ‘Vision 2036’ ensures athletes have access to the resources they need to thrive. The programme’s holistic approach emphasises not just athletic excellence but also the long-term sustainability of sports in Sri Lanka.
A vision for the future
“‘Vision 2036’ is more than a sports programme; it is a movement. It is a testament to what can be achieved when expertise, passion, and collective will unite for a common goal,” said Alailima.
“This initiative represents hope, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Together, we will not only transform athletes into world champions but also inspire a nation,” he added.
‘Vision 2036’ is committed to creating a legacy that goes beyond medals. It aims to instil a culture of sporting excellence, foster national pride, and inspire future generations to dream big and achieve the impossible.
Lion Warrior athletes
- Nethmi Ahinsa (wrestling) – Commonwealth Bronze medallist
- Dinara De Silva (tennis) – Two-time national champion
- Umayanga Mihiran (boxing) – Asian Bronze medallist
- Hansani Gomas (weightlifting) – Commonwealth Bronze medallist
- Isuru Weerakkodi (basketball) – MVP at All-Island Schools Basketball Tournament 2023
- Danidu Sellapperuma (cricket) – Highest runs in Sri Lanka schools cricket – 2022 (553 not out)
- Ivano White (discus throw) – Sir John Tarbat Junior record holder
- Ranithma Liyanage (badminton) – Current national champion
- Saajida Razick (tennis) – Ranked No. 1 in Under 18 and Women’s Open (2022/’23)
- Janidu Induwara (hurdles) – National Record Holder – 110 m hurdles
- Tharuki Shashindi (karate) – Most Outstanding Sportswoman 2024 (School Colours Awards)
- Bimandee Bandara (table tennis) – Four-time national champion
- Rumesh Tharanga (javelin) – Asian record holder
- Yasindu Premaratne (boxing) – Stubbs Shield Gold medallist
- Hiruki De Silva (swimming) – Two-time national champion/South Asian Silver medallist
- Nevindu Lakman (squash) – First Sri Lankan to reach Asia’s top 3 (U19)
- Neja Dasanayaka (shooting) – 10 m air rifle – Sri Lanka record holder
- Seja Dasanayaka (shooting) – First Sri Lankan female shooter to reach 10 m air pistol finals
- Ranul Malaka (cricket) – Bangalore Premier League (Best All-Rounder)
- Shaylon Shayan (rowing) – Asian medallist
- Lesandu Arthavidu (high jump) – Junior South Asian record holder
- Ashmika Korala (triple jump) – Sir John Tarbat meet record holder
- Chathurika Priyanthi (weightlifting) – Commonwealth Silver medallist
- Shashi Silva (discus throw) – Placed second at the national meet
- Medhani Jayamanna (athletics) – Former 200 m national champion
- Jayavi Alwis (shot put) – Under 20 Sri Lanka record holder
- Minoli Mariya (basketball) – SABA Gold medallist
- Manjula Nisal (beach volleyball) – MVP at All-Island Volleyball Competition 2023
- Chalani Nisha (netball) – National player