MAS Holdings, Sri Lanka's leading apparel-tech conglomerate, has received Cabinet approval to launch the MAS Athlete Training Academy, marking the country's first and largest Public-Private Partnership (PPP) dedicated to nurturing future Olympians.
Scheduled to officially launch on July 8, the academy will begin with an investment exceeding Rs. 550 million over an eight-year period. Its primary aim is to develop and support young athletes for participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The academy will offer a comprehensive development program, including specialized training, top-tier athletic equipment, international exposure, nutritional and educational assistance, as well as direct financial support and equipment for athletes and their coaches.
This funding, spread over eight years, will cover comprehensive training programs, world-class athletic gear, international exposure, and nutritional and educational support, directly benefiting athletes and their coaches.
“Sri Lanka has a rich history in athletics, with all our Olympic medals coming from this sport. Despite the potential, support has been limited, especially for athletes from rural areas. This initiative is about making a significant investment to develop Sri Lankan athletes and prepare them for global success,” stated MAS Holdings Co-Founder & Chairman Mahesh Amalean.
Partnering with the Ministries of Education and Sports, the National Olympic Committee, Sri Lanka Athletics Association, and the Sri Lanka Olympians Association, the MAS Athlete Training Academy will focus on identifying and nurturing talented school athletes. Top performers will be chosen through specialized testing and selection camps and will receive continuous support, including funding, equipment, educational assistance, nutritional supplements, coaching allowances, and potential international training opportunities.
The academy will conduct specialized testing and selection camps to identify and develop talented athletes from schools across the nation.
“Given Sri Lanka's Olympic success in athletics and the immense potential of athletes from rural backgrounds, we felt it was time to make a significant investment to harness their potential and prepare them for global success,” said MAS Holdings Co-Founder & Chairman Mahesh Amalean.
Sriyani Kulawansa former Olympian
Following an evaluation of over 200 athletes from the all-island school games in May 2024, the first cohort of 56 athletes—24 girls and 32 boys—has been selected from nine provinces, covering short, mid, and long-distance track events as well as various field events. The academy will monitor their performance and training metrics using an advanced digital app.
“Sri Lanka has great potential in athletics. Our athletes have shown remarkable talent even with basic training. With modern training techniques and support, we can produce more medal winners. As a former Olympian, I support the Academy’s mission to nurture future champions and commend MAS Holdings for keeping the Olympic dream alive,” said Sriyani Kulawansa, President of the Sri Lanka Olympians Association.
After a thorough assessment during the all-island school games in May 2024, the inaugural group of 56 athletes has been selected from nine provinces. This cohort includes 24 girls and 32 boys, participating in various track and field disciplines such as short, mid, and long-distance races. Their progress and training data will be tracked through an advanced digital application.
Goal is to provide a holistic development
“Our goal is to provide a holistic development environment for these young athletes. By integrating high-quality training, international exposure, educational, and nutritional support, we aim to elevate talent from the grassroots to the global stage, establishing a new era of athletic excellence in Sri Lanka,” said Isuru Gunaratne, General Manager – Strategic Planning, MAS Holdings.
Editor's Note:
The establishment of the MAS Athlete Training Academy signifies a transformative investment in Sri Lanka's athletic future. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, this initiative aims to provide the necessary resources and support for young athletes to achieve international success. This initiative is poised to significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s presence in the Olympics, reflecting the nation's dedication to sporting excellence. If the recent events leading to Olympic selection is anything to go by, Sri Lanka needs a national commitment to developing world-class athletes and revitalizing the country's presence in global sports arenas.
Scheduled to officially launch on July 8, the academy will begin with an investment exceeding Rs. 550 million over an eight-year period. Its primary aim is to develop and support young athletes for participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The academy will offer a comprehensive development program, including specialized training, top-tier athletic equipment, international exposure, nutritional and educational assistance, as well as direct financial support and equipment for athletes and their coaches.
This funding, spread over eight years, will cover comprehensive training programs, world-class athletic gear, international exposure, and nutritional and educational support, directly benefiting athletes and their coaches.
“Sri Lanka has a rich history in athletics, with all our Olympic medals coming from this sport. Despite the potential, support has been limited, especially for athletes from rural areas. This initiative is about making a significant investment to develop Sri Lankan athletes and prepare them for global success,” stated MAS Holdings Co-Founder & Chairman Mahesh Amalean.
Partnering with the Ministries of Education and Sports, the National Olympic Committee, Sri Lanka Athletics Association, and the Sri Lanka Olympians Association, the MAS Athlete Training Academy will focus on identifying and nurturing talented school athletes. Top performers will be chosen through specialized testing and selection camps and will receive continuous support, including funding, equipment, educational assistance, nutritional supplements, coaching allowances, and potential international training opportunities.
The academy will conduct specialized testing and selection camps to identify and develop talented athletes from schools across the nation.
“Given Sri Lanka's Olympic success in athletics and the immense potential of athletes from rural backgrounds, we felt it was time to make a significant investment to harness their potential and prepare them for global success,” said MAS Holdings Co-Founder & Chairman Mahesh Amalean.
Sriyani Kulawansa former Olympian
Following an evaluation of over 200 athletes from the all-island school games in May 2024, the first cohort of 56 athletes—24 girls and 32 boys—has been selected from nine provinces, covering short, mid, and long-distance track events as well as various field events. The academy will monitor their performance and training metrics using an advanced digital app.
“Sri Lanka has great potential in athletics. Our athletes have shown remarkable talent even with basic training. With modern training techniques and support, we can produce more medal winners. As a former Olympian, I support the Academy’s mission to nurture future champions and commend MAS Holdings for keeping the Olympic dream alive,” said Sriyani Kulawansa, President of the Sri Lanka Olympians Association.
After a thorough assessment during the all-island school games in May 2024, the inaugural group of 56 athletes has been selected from nine provinces. This cohort includes 24 girls and 32 boys, participating in various track and field disciplines such as short, mid, and long-distance races. Their progress and training data will be tracked through an advanced digital application.
Goal is to provide a holistic development
“Our goal is to provide a holistic development environment for these young athletes. By integrating high-quality training, international exposure, educational, and nutritional support, we aim to elevate talent from the grassroots to the global stage, establishing a new era of athletic excellence in Sri Lanka,” said Isuru Gunaratne, General Manager – Strategic Planning, MAS Holdings.
Editor's Note:
The establishment of the MAS Athlete Training Academy signifies a transformative investment in Sri Lanka's athletic future. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, this initiative aims to provide the necessary resources and support for young athletes to achieve international success. This initiative is poised to significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s presence in the Olympics, reflecting the nation's dedication to sporting excellence. If the recent events leading to Olympic selection is anything to go by, Sri Lanka needs a national commitment to developing world-class athletes and revitalizing the country's presence in global sports arenas.
