A major sports infrastructure development project has been launched at Christ Raj College in Kochchikade, Negombo, with an investment of Rs. 50.5 million to transform the school’s existing playground into a fully equipped sports facility.
The inauguration ceremony took place on November 9, 2026, under the government’s provincial-level sports infrastructure development programme, which aims to identify and nurture talented athletes capable of competing at national and international levels.
The project is being fully funded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, with the Negombo Municipal Council responsible for its supervision. It is expected to benefit not only schoolchildren but also the wider community by providing improved opportunities for sports participation and development.
Deputy Minister of Sports Sugath Thilakaratne, who attended the ceremony as the chief guest, highlighted the government’s ambition to establish a stronger sports culture while producing athletes capable of winning medals on the international stage.
He emphasised that improving sports facilities in rural schools would help create the foundation necessary for talented young athletes to progress to national and international competition.
Meanwhile, Katana MP Champika Hettiarachchi revealed that Cabinet approval had been secured for a programme to develop 400 sports grounds across all 25 districts during the 2026–2029 period.
He described a sports ground as more than just a physical facility, highlighting its role in teaching young people valuable life skills such as discipline, resilience, teamwork and respect for others.
The MP also outlined several key areas of focus under the government’s sports development policy, including:
- Recruitment of sports teachers: Strengthening human resources to improve sports education within schools.
- Empowering children with disabilities: Identifying opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in sports and providing the necessary facilities.
- Sports opportunities for every child: Developing infrastructure and policy guidelines to encourage all students to participate in sporting activities.
- Sustainable facility management: Ensuring that newly developed sports grounds remain active, safe and properly maintained through the involvement of school authorities, teachers, parents and students.
Several distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne, MP Champika Hettiarachchi, Negombo Mayor Dulip Chamara Fernando, Negombo Divisional Secretary Rasika Malwawarchchi, Negombo Zonal Director of Education K. L. A. S. Kamburugamuwa and Christ Raj College Principal W. M. K. P. K. Fernando.
Municipal councillors, government officials, teachers, parents and students were also present.
The Rs. 50.5 million investment marks another step towards strengthening school-level sports infrastructure and expanding opportunities for young sporting talent in the country.
