Sports Minister on Yupun: “We can’t fulfil Harin Fernando’s verbal promise”

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage says the government cannot meet the financial demands made by Sri Lankan sprinter Yupun Abeykoon, following the athlete’s decision to step away from representing the country.

Speaking to the media, the Minister described Abeykoon as a talented athlete who has brought international recognition to Sri Lanka through his achievements.

He said the Sports Ministry had held several discussions with Abeykoon in recent months, including meetings at the ministry and in Parliament, in an effort to resolve the matter.

However, the Minister said Abeykoon’s request differed from what the ministry could offer.

“Yupun is asking us to honour a verbal promise of US$300,000 allegedly made by former Sports Minister Harin Fernando. We cannot make such a payment,” Gamage said.

He explained that the ministry provides financial assistance to athletes based on performance through its “Mission Olympic” programme, and that payments are determined according to current performance and rankings.

“We cannot make hpayments simply because a previous minister may have made a verbal commitment,” he said.

Gamage added that the ministry would welcome Abeykoon back if he wished to continue representing Sri Lanka and said the government was prepared to provide support within its existing policies.

Responding to claims that previous governments had provided houses and other benefits to athletes, the Minister acknowledged that such incentives had been granted in the past, particularly to Olympic athletes.

He said the current government was also working on a programme to reward future sporting achievements and noted that around Rs. 60 million in prize money had been distributed to athletes in the past month.

Asked whether Abeykoon’s departure would be a loss for Sri Lanka, Gamage said the decision to continue or retire rests entirely with the athlete.

“We want him to continue competing for the country, and we will do everything we can within our framework. But whether he continues or retires is ultimately his decision,” the Minister said. (Newswire)

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