Sri Lankan Olympians will be rewarded with financial benefits and other incentives when they participate in the Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan from July 23. Already four athletes have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics and another 3 to 4 athletes are expected to join the Sri Lankan contingent through the wildcard system.
“We have decided to grant an allowance of US $10,000 for each Olympian with a further sum of US $40 as a daily allowance,” Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa said during a television interview yesterday.
“We have also decided to grant an allowance of US $5000 for each coach in addition to a sum of US $40 day allowance,” the Minister emphasised.
“This is the first time that we have decided to reward the Olympians financially while recognising their high value and the dedication to the sport,” added the Sports Minister.
“Obtaining Olympic qualification is the greatest achievement for an athlete and we want to value their performances in this way,” the Minister explained.
“I have already instructed the Ministry to provide more facilities for all those athletes who have qualified for the Olympics,” he noted.
“We must realise that all officials go on foreign tours, thanks to these athletes. But it has been brought to my notice that some officials travel in business class, while the athletes travel on economy class. This time we want to change this system,” the Minister added.
“As a former sportsman, I know this system. But this time we have already planned to give special benefits for the Olympians. We will make arrangements for the Olympians and coaches to travel on business class,” he concluded.
Show-jumper Mathilda Karlsson was the first to qualify for the Olympics followed by gymnast Milka Gehani, shooter Tehani Egodawela and veteran shuttler Niluka Karunaratne.
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