Athletes have set 30 new records, including 21 new swimming records, at the 36th National Youth Sports Festival held at the Diyagama Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium.
The two-day event, held on October 31 and November 1 under the theme “Empowering Youth, Celebrating Unity”, was organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the National Youth Services Council and the Sri Lanka Federation of Youth Clubs.
Gampaha and Kandy districts shared the overall championship after securing 130 points each, while Galle district finished third with 106 points.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said one of his main challenges as Health Minister was protecting citizens, particularly young people, from non-communicable diseases.
He said the Government was also focused on tackling drug abuse, particularly the use of dangerous substances such as ICE and heroin and creating a healthy and sports-oriented generation.
The Minister said several government ministries and security agencies were working together to combat drug abuse and help young people overcome addiction, adding that promoting sports could help fill the void in the lives of those recovering from drug addiction.
He also stressed the importance of identifying talented young athletes at grassroots level and helping them progress to national and international competitions.
The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage. (Newswire)
