PRESS RELEASE: Annual Athlete Forum 2025
Updated Date: 16th December, 2025
Colombo, 16 December 2025 - The Annual Athlete Forum 2025 will commence tomorrow, 17 December 2025, at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo, bringing together Sri Lanka’s leading athletes for a two-day residential program dedicated to athlete education, empowerment, and holistic development.
The forum is organized by the Athletes’ Commission of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka), with the valued support of the International Olympic Committee through Olympic Solidarity. This year’s program will host 60 athletes, achieving full gender parity with 30 male and 30 female participants, representing over 20 Olympic and Paralympic sports across the country.
Designed to address the evolving needs of modern athletes, the forum will deliver 10 comprehensive modules covering key areas such as Olympic values, anti-doping, nutrition, sports medicine, prevention of competition manipulation, Athlete365, safeguarding, mental well-being, motivation and meditation. All sessions will be conducted by qualified experts and specialists in their respective fields.
In addition to structured learning, athletes will take part in interactive activities, team-building exercises, games, and quiz competitions, encouraging peer engagement, collaboration, and the strengthening of networks among athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds.
Commenting on the significance of the forum, the Chairman of the Athletes’ Commission, a three-time Olympian Niluka Karunaratne, stated that the Annual Athlete Forum plays a vital role in educating athletes on critical issues that extend beyond competitive performance. He emphasized that the program is designed to enhance athlete well-being, support personal and professional growth, and prepare athletes for life during and after their sporting careers.
The key objectives of the Annual Athlete Forum 2025 include:
' Educating athletes on diverse topics essential for their development during and beyond their athletic careers
' Equipping athletes with life skills to succeed both in and out of sport
' Raising awareness of critical issues affecting athlete welfare and career sustainability
' Encouraging active athlete engagement and ownership of personal development
' Ensuring equal access to education for athletes, irrespective of background or sport
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Building confidence to navigate challenges during active competition and post-career transitions
The Annual Athlete Forum 2025 reflects the continued commitment of NOC Sri Lanka and the Athletes’ Commission to placing athletes at the heart of the Olympic Movement and fostering a supportive, informed, and empowered athlete community in Sri Lanka.
