President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed Sports Ministry officials to prepare plans to develop athletes capable of achieving international success and encourage wider public participation in sports.

The instructions were given during a discussion on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ 2027 Budget proposals at the Presidential Secretariat on 29 October.

The President highlighted the role of sports in addressing non-communicable diseases and called for programmes to encourage the public to use walking paths and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Planned projects for 2027 include a National High Performance Centre, a 400-metre synthetic running track in Anuradhapura, further development of Diyagama International Stadium and upgrades to Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

The proposals also include research into sports and exercise in collaboration with sports medicine institutions and universities, according to the President’s Media Division.