PRESS RELEASE - Sri Lanka successfully concludes preliminary phase of its Asian Games Youth Reporter Programme

Colombo, 05 September 2025 –The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka successfully conducted the Preliminary Workshop and Selection Round of the Asian Games Youth Reporter Programme - Sri Lanka on 2 September at the Olympic House, Colombo 7.

A total of 27 participants attended physically, while 4 participants joined online, a special arrangement made to facilitate outstation applicants who were unable to travel to Colombo.

The sessions were conducted by veteran journalist and publisher, and General Manager of NOC Sri Lanka, Mr. Lal Wickrematunge, and Chef du Bureau (Bureau Chief) of Agence France-Presse, Mr. Amal Jayasinghe, who guided the aspiring youth reporters through the fundamentals of sports reporting.

The event was graced by President of the NOC Sri Lanka, Mr. Suresh Subramaniam, Secretary General, Mr. Rifdy Fahmy, Chairman of the Media Committee of NOC Sri Lanka and Vice President, Mr. Deva Henry, and Treasurer, Mr. Prithiviraj Perera, who commended the enthusiasm of the participants and the importance of this initiative for empowering youth through sports journalism.

Looking ahead, the international delegation leading the main programme will include Director of Media and Broadcast of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Mr. Jeans Zhou Jian, and OCA Reporter, Mr. Alvin Sallay, who will conduct the sessions in Sri Lanka.

Following the evaluations of the preliminary workshop, the top 20 participants were shortlisted to advance to the next stage. They will take part in the Main Workshop, scheduled to be held on 7 September 2025 at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, conducted by the international experts. The winners will be officially announced at the conclusion of this session during the Asian Games Fun Run Press Conference.

The NOC Sri Lanka extends its appreciation to all applicants for their enthusiasm and commitment to this initiative.

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