President Maithripala Sirisena said the sports ground is the center for reconciliation as it has no distinction between race, religion, language, caste or colour.
He made these remarks addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Sports Stars 2016 , held at the MahaweliSports Grounds Embilipitiya yesterday (15).
This ceremony is being held with the participation of coaches and sports officials covering all nine provinces of the country.
President further said that the Government fulfilled its duties with a full commitment during the one and half years to practically implement reconciliation without limiting it to words.
President Sirisenasaid that the field of sports could contribute immensely in the process of taking the country forward while building peace, harmony, brotherhood and trust among the people of the country.
He further said that all the urban and rural sports grounds of the nine provinces will be developed and will be used as centers to build reconciliation among the public.
The President emphasized that the Government will take steps to provide maximum benefits to the coaches and sports officials while the sports field will be developed to support our sportsmen and women achieve local as well as international victories through their talents.
President Sirisena presented awards for ten retiring sports officials for their contribution.
A special memento was presented to the President.
Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, Minister Thalatha Athukorala, Deputy Minister, Dunesh Gankanda, Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province , Marshal Perera, Sabaragamuwa Province Chief Minister Mahipala Herath, Sport Minister of Sabaragamuwa Province, Athula Kumara Rahubadda, Senior officials including Secretary of the Sports Ministry were present.