Steps will be taken to resume the activities of the sports sector in Sri Lanka with effect from June 01, Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth Affairs Dullas Alahapperuma said.

He mentioned this attending an event for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to donate medical equipment worth Rs 15 million including a brand new PCR test machine to assist the country’s efforts to re-strengthen Sri Lankan sports sector affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Receiving the donations, Minister Alahapperuma said the decision to reopen the schools will be taken at the first opportunity once the health care of the country is fully realized and that all necessary facilities will be provided to ensure the health safety of the children.

The Minister said that he appreciates and is grateful towards support shown by private donors and international organizations.

Alahapperuma said that as the Minister of Sports, he unconditionally agrees with the cricket governing body to take the necessary steps for the development of the sport.

Further, it is also important to receive suggestions on recommendations for developing the sport that has not yet been implemented, proposals for early identification of players within the school system, abandoned development programs, and various sports sectors that need improvement, he added.

Secretary to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs D. Ruwan Chandra, Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Shammi Silva, Director General of the Department of Sports Development Amal Edirisuriya, and Director General of the Institute of Sports Medicine Dr. E. A. L. C. K. Edirisinghe were present at the event.