Colombo, 11 December 2025 - The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka) conducted a comprehensive briefing session for Olympic Solidarity Scholarship holders under the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Olympic Solidarity – Los Angeles 2028 Scholarship Programme on the 10th of December 2025 at the Olympic House, Colombo 07, with the objective of educating and motivating athletes on effective utilisation of the scholarship and quarterly reporting requirements.

 

The session was led by members of the Independent Selection Committee, comprising veteran Sri Lankan sports personalities Mr. Kapila Wijegunawardene and Mr. Shirantha Peiris. The panel provided athletes with detailed guidance on the scope, responsibilities, and expectations of the LA 2028 Olympic Solidarity Scholarship, emphasising transparency, accountability, and performance-based progress.

 

During the programme, the Independent Selection Committee highlighted the importance of structured quarterly reporting, demonstrated best practices for preparing high-quality reports, and shared a standardised reporting format to support athletes and coaches in fulfilling scholarship requirements effectively. Motivational insights were also shared, encouraging athletes to maximise the opportunity in their journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

 

Athletes were given the opportunity to engage in an interactive discussion, raise questions, and seek clarifications related to funding utilisation, performance planning, and reporting procedures.

 

Mr. Lal Wickrematunge, General Manager of NOC Sri Lanka, delivered an inspiring address, urging scholarship holders to remain disciplined, committed, and focused on long-term performance development, while representing Sri Lanka with pride at the international level.

 

Adding further encouragement, Mr. Niluka Karunaratne, Olympian and Chairman of the NOC Sri Lanka Athletes’ Commission, addressed the athletes, calling on them to fully leverage the Olympic Solidarity support and strive to make the nation proud through their dedication and results on the road to LA 2028.

 

The session was attended by seven Olympic Solidarity Scholarship athletes and their respective coaches, including Aruna Darshana (Track and Field), Rumesh Tharanga (Track and Field), Ranithma Liyanage (Badminton), Hiruki de Silva (Swimming), Lesandu Arthavidu (Track and Field), Tharushi Abhisheka (Track and Field) and Nethmi Ahinsa (Wrestling). Viren Nettasinghe (Badminton), who is currently competing overseas, was represented through his coach at the programme.

 

NOC Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to athlete development through structured education, monitoring, and support, in alignment with the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity objectives for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

 

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