Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved a major project to develop playgrounds in government schools across the country, aiming to boost student participation in sports and promote physical, social, and mental well‑being.
Officials noted that the exam-centred education system and lack of adequate facilities have limited student involvement in sports, while also hindering the identification of talented athletes capable of performing at national and international levels.
Currently, only about 5% of the country’s 10,096 government schools have standard‑sized playgrounds. To address this gap, the project will establish at least one standard playground with a 400‑meter running track in each education zone.
Under the plan, one national school and three provincial schools in each of the 25 districts will be developed, covering 400 schools over four years. The initiative will be implemented between 2026 and 2029 at an estimated cost of Rs. 2,010.50 million.
The proposal, presented by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in her capacity as Minister of Education, received Cabinet approval. (Newswire)