Sri Lanka- MAS Holdings, an apparel-tech conglomerate, has secured Cabinet approval to create Sri Lanka’s first and largest Public Private Partnership (PPP) focused on supporting the nation’s future Olympians. The MAS Athlete Training Academy, which will officially launch in July, signifies a major investment in the country’s athletic future.
With an investment surpassing Rs. 550 million ($1.8 million), the academy’s goal is to identify, develop, and support promising young athletes to represent Sri Lanka at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This comprehensive eight-year program will offer focused training, world-class athletic gear, international exposure, and nutritional and educational support. Additionally, funds and equipment will be provided directly to the athletes and their coaches.
Sri Lanka’s Olympic success has historically been in athletics, a sport with immense potential but limited support, with many successful athletes emerging from rural and impoverished backgrounds. “We felt it was time to take athletics in Sri Lanka seriously, making an impactful investment to harness the potential of Sri Lankan athletes and prepare them to compete and succeed at the highest level globally,” said Mahesh Amalean, Co-Founder and Chairman of MAS Holdings.
The MAS Athlete Training Academy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sports, National Olympic Committee, Sri Lanka Athletics Association, and the Sri Lanka Olympians Association, will employ a thorough process to identify and nurture talented athletes from schools across the country. Outstanding performers will be selected through specialized testing and selection camps, ensuring the most promising talents receive the support they need. These athletes will benefit from funds, equipment, educational support, nutritional supplements, coaching allowances, and potential international training and exposure.
Following an evaluation of over two hundred athletes from the all-island school games in May 2024, the academy has selected its first batch of 56 athletes, including 24 girls and 32 boys. These young athletes come from Sri Lanka’s nine provinces and represent a range of short, mid, and long-distance track events as well as various field events. Their progress will be closely monitored using a best-in-class digital app to track ongoing performance and training metrics.
Sri Lanka has won just two Olympic medals in its history, both in athletics. Duncan White secured a silver medal in the men’s 400m hurdles at the London 1948 Games, and Susanthika Jayasinghe earned a silver medal in the women’s 200m at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Despite limited resources, Sri Lankan athletes have demonstrated remarkable talent and determination, achieving significant wins.
“Sri Lanka has tremendous potential to excel in athletics. Even with basic training in the past, our athletes have shown exceptional talent,” said Sriyani Kulawansa, President of the Sri Lanka Olympians Association and a former Asian champion in the women’s 100m hurdles. “With support and modern training techniques, we can surely produce more medal winners. As a former Olympian, I am happy to support the Academy and its mission of nurturing future champions. I commend MAS Holdings for fueling the Olympic dream and keeping the nation’s hopes alive in the sporting arena.”
The establishment of the MAS Athlete Training Academy marks a pivotal moment for Sri Lankan athletics, offering a structured pathway for young athletes to reach their full potential and compete on the world stage. This initiative not only invests in the future of Sri Lankan sports but also aims to bring pride and recognition to the nation through the success of its athletes.
