July 01, Nawalapitiya: The Sri Lankan government aiming to make the country the sport hub of Asia by the year 2016 has set plans to promote sports among the youth in rural areas.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today declared open the Jayathilaka sports complex constructed in Nawalapitiya in the central hills under the Mahinda Chintana policy to popularize sports in rural areas.

Addressing the gathering the President said the government aims to empower Sri Lankan sports to international standards and enhance sport skills in the country's youth, both men and women, to achieve victories at both local and international competitions.

Under the Mahinda Chintana policy the government plans to set up 314 playgrounds at regional level,25 sport grounds at district level, and 9 sport complexes with all the modern facilities at provincial level, the President said.

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake and parliamentarian Abdul Cader also participated in the occasion.

(Photos by Sudath Silva)