A ceremony was held at the Ministry of sports auditorium under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena to felicitate the victorious sportsmen & women who have achieved international victories in the past year.

Photos: National netball team, U18 & U20 Tuskers felicitated by the President

The U18 & U20 rugby teams who emerged champions at the Asian 7s tournaments along with the National netball team who emerged runners up at the  Asian championship was also felicitated with cash awards . Athletic Association and renowned swimming coach Julian Boling also received cash awards at the ceremony for the services rendered to national sports during the past year.

The new auditorium at the sports ministry was renamed as the Duncan White auditorium and tributes offered to the Duncan White statue by the President. Duncan White won the Island’s first ever, Olympic medal winning the silver for 400m hurdles at the 1948 Olympic Games.

Minister Malik Samarawickrama, Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala, Sports Minister of Sabaragamuwa Province Athula Kumara Rahubadda and the secretary to the Sports Ministry D. M. R. B. Dissanayaka also participated in this event