Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage has stated that the government is unable to provide Sri Lankan sprinter Yupun Abeykoon with the USD 300,000 promised to him based on a verbal commitment allegedly made by former Sports Minister Harin Fernando.
Speaking on the matter, the Minister said that Abeykoon, who is currently based in Italy, is a talented athlete who has brought medals and significant recognition to Sri Lanka, adding that he has maintained regular communication with the star athlete.
“He visited the Sports Ministry a few months ago, and we also met in Parliament, where we discussed his concerns,” Minister Gamage said.
However, the Minister noted that it would be difficult to fulfil Abeykoon’s request, as the athlete had sought the funding based on a verbal discussion held during the tenure of former Sports Minister Harin Fernando.
“He says former Sports Minister Harin Fernando promised him USD 300,000. However, we cannot disburse funds in that manner,” Minister Gamage said.
He explained that financial assistance for Sri Lankan athletes is provided based on their performances and achievements through the ‘Mission Olympics’ programme.
“The payments are allocated according to an athlete’s current performance and achievements. It is not possible to make a payment solely based on a verbal promise made by a former Sports Minister,” he added.
The Minister further assured that the government would continue to support Abeykoon within its capacity and encouraged him to continue competing for the country.
Yupun Abeykoon is Sri Lanka's national record holder in the men's 100m, 200m and indoor 60m events.
On July 3, 2022, he became the first South Asian athlete to break the 10-second barrier in the men's 100m, clocking 9.96 seconds at the Resisprint International competition in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
He is currently regarded as the fastest Sri Lankan and the fastest South Asian in both the men's 100m and 200m events.
However, Abeykoon had recently announced his decision to retire from athletics.
