Minister Namal Rajapaksa yesterday clarified matters regarding the overseas training of Sri Lankan athletes for international competitions.
The Minister speaking in Parliament yesterday said a decision has been reached to send athletes overseas only for medium- and long-term training.
The Minister said individuals of Sri Lankan origin who are overseas have been invited to participate in trials for various sports events with many having expressed their willingness.
Minister Rajapaksa said local athletes are training in Europe and the United States, adding that two athletes are training in Cuba for the long jump discipline, while ten long-distance athletes are engaged in long-term training in Kenya.
The Sports Minister said two to three months of coaching camps are futile.
He also stated that a gymnast who was training in Japan, will continue training for an additional two years till the next Olympic Games.
The Minister claimed that the short-term goals are the next Olympics and other events.
Minister Rajapaksa also stated that the Sri Lanka Football team trained in Saudi Arabia during the month of November.
