As a result of a recent discussion between the Kenyan Minister of Sports and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Development Coordination and Monitoring and the Minister of State for Digital Technology and Enterprise Development Namal Rajapaksa an opportunity was taken for the middle and long distance running athletes in the country.

During the last few days, the Minister attended several fruitful meetings between Sri Lanka and the Government of Kenya to enhance bilateral and community friendship. In particular, he discussed with Kenyan Minister of Sports Dr. Amina Mohamed the need to further enhance the skills level of Sri Lankan athletes in the field of athletics.

As a result, Sri Lanka and Kenya agreed to work together, sharing sports resources as well as veterans’ experiences. Accordingly, 10 Sri Lankan medium and long distance runners will be sent to Kenya for mid- and long-term training later this year or in the first quarter of next year.

The Minister has taken this opportunity to provide opportunities to middle and long distance runners with the aim of enabling our talented athletes to hone their skills by providing proper training and regular incentives.

World-class athletes such as Eliud Kipchoge (5000m – Men), Abel Kirui (marathon – Men), Ezekiel Kemboi (3000m – Men), Hellen Obiri (5000m – Women), Beatrice Chepkoech (3000m – Women – steeplechase) Training in a country like Kenya.It is a great opportunity for Sri Lankan athletes to train in a country like that.

It is the hope of the Ministry of Youth and Sports that the Sri Lankan athletes will be able to take advantage of such opportunities, train and hone their skills to achieve international success.