President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed a cash award of Rs. 100 million for Sri Lankan athletes who win Olympic gold medals, under a new recognition programme announced in the 2027 Budget.

Presenting the Budget in Parliament today (12), President Dissanayake said financial appreciation awards would also be granted to athletes winning gold medals at major international sporting competitions.

Accordingly, an award of Rs. 100 million has been proposed for an Olympic gold medal and a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships, while Commonwealth gold medallists will receive Rs. 75 million.

The proposed awards for gold medal winners at the Asian Games and SAARC Games are Rs. 50 million and Rs. 15 million, respectively.

The President also announced that corresponding cash awards would be provided for silver and bronze medal winners at these competitions, as well as for achievements at other international sporting events.

Meanwhile, the Government has allocated Rs. 77.5 million for 2027 to establish a Youth Political Leadership Academy, with an estimated total project cost of Rs. 208 million.

The academy is intended to train young men and women in political and community leadership and encourage their participation in regional and national-level decision-making processes.

A further Rs. 45 million has been allocated for research and development activities aimed at encouraging innovation among young people.