The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued an official clarification regarding the provision of the Sugathadasa Outdoor Stadium for a musical concert scheduled for December 28, 2025, following public discussion and media coverage on the matter.

In a press release dated December 28, 2025, the Ministry stated that the decision to lease the stadium for a musical event was taken in the context of the current condition of the athletics track, which it described as being in a dilapidated state and unsuitable for competitive sporting activities.

According to the statement, the existing running track has deteriorated due to potholes and extensive wear and is not currently in use for sporting events. The Ministry further noted that tender procedures have already commenced for the removal of the existing track and the construction of a new one.

Stadium Inactivity Cited

The Ministry explained that as the stadium would remain inactive for sports during the upcoming reconstruction period, the management authority agreed to lease the premises for the concert, subject to applicable charges and conditions.

It also stated that the responsibility for conducting the event rested with the organisers and that the proposed concert would not result in additional significant damage to the running track, as the surface is already scheduled for complete removal as part of the renovation process.

Response to Public Commentary

In its release, the Ministry strongly criticised what it described as distorted statements and inaccurate reporting by certain individuals and media outlets, which it said had portrayed the event as a major setback to sports and stadium infrastructure.

The Ministry requested media institutions to publish or broadcast the clarification in the interest of public awareness and transparency, noting that photographs and video footage relating to the stadium’s current condition were provided alongside the statement.

Context

The clarification follows earlier public concern and debate over the use of national sports facilities for non-sporting events, particularly in relation to athlete access, venue management practices, and adherence to established policies. The Ministry’s statement represents its official position on the matter

The postponement of the Ne-Yo Live in Sri Lanka concert, scheduled to take place on December 28 at the Sugathadasa Outdoor Stadium, has prompted renewed public discussion regarding venue management procedures, financial compliance, and the use of national sports facilities for non-sporting events.

In a brief statement issued via social media, the event organisers, Brown Boy Presents, announced that the concert had been postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances and factors beyond their control.” The statement further noted that the refund process is being finalised and that ticket holders will be informed accordingly. While issued tickets were said to remain valid for a future date, no revised date has been officially announced.

Sports Activities and Venue Access

The Sugathadasa National Sports Complex is Sri Lanka’s premier athletics facility, regularly used by national athletes and sports organisations. According to information shared by sports stakeholders, access to the ground had been restricted from November onwards, with users reportedly informed that the venue would be unavailable due to renovation-related requirements.

The subsequent approval of a large-scale entertainment event has led to questions from within the sporting community regarding consistency in decision-making and prioritisation of venue usage. Sports administrators and athletes have expressed concern that activities were halted in the interest of ground preservation, while preparations for a non-sporting event were later observed at the same venue.

It has also been noted by technical personnel that heavy staging and audience infrastructure can place strain on an athletics surface, highlighting the importance of professional ground-use assessments before approving such events.

Administrative and Financial Procedures

Available reports indicate that the organisers initially made a partial payment to reserve the venue, with further payments expected under the stadium’s financial regulations. According to established procedures, full settlement of venue fees is required prior to an event being authorised to proceed.

Despite ongoing discussions regarding payments, construction of a stage was observed within the stadium premises, drawing public attention. Subsequent confirmations reportedly indicated that the remaining fees had not been settled by the stipulated deadline.

Following this, permission for the event was cancelled on December 25, citing non-compliance with financial requirements. Equipment and materials used for stage construction were later removed by the relevant service provider, reportedly due to non-payment.

Concerns Raised and Public Accountability

The incident has sparked broader debate regarding oversight, compliance with financial protocols, and transparency in venue allocation decisions. Several stakeholders have called for clearer communication and publicly accessible guidelines governing the use of national sports facilities, particularly when non-sporting events are considered.

As of now, no official statements have been released by the Ministry of Sports, the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex Authority, or related administrative bodies explaining the approval process or addressing the concerns raised by athletes and sports organisations.

Need for Policy Clarity

While entertainment events can contribute to economic activity, sports administrators note that national sports venues exist primarily to serve athletes and sporting development. The situation has underscored the importance of balancing commercial opportunities with the long-term needs of sport, alongside strict adherence to established administrative and financial procedures.

Observers within the sports community have emphasised that clear policies, transparent processes, and consistent enforcement are essential to maintaining confidence in the management of national sports infrastructure.

It is also relevant to note that the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex traditionally operates under a no-alcohol policy within its premises, in line with regulations governing national sports venues. However, promotional material related to the proposed event indicated that certain ticket packages included tables offering alcoholic beverages as part of the experience. This apparent contrast has raised further questions among sports stakeholders regarding policy enforcement, venue usage conditions, and oversight, particularly when national sporting facilities are made available for non-sporting events.

As ticket holders await further communication and athletes seek clarity on access to training facilities, the episode serves as a reminder of the need for professional governance and accountability in the management of Sri Lanka’s key sporting venues.

A video shared on social media following the annual Colours Night ceremony at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya has sparked widespread public debate after a student claimed she was unfairly deprived of a sports award despite her outstanding sporting record.

The ceremony, held on December 19, came under scrutiny after the student made a public announcement stating that she did not receive an award allegedly due to her non-attendance at rehearsals, despite her competitive achievements. The video has since gone viral, triggering mixed reactions across social media platforms.

Outstanding Achievements of Both Athletes
The controversy involves two student athletes who have both brought significant honour to the school through exceptional performances in their respective sports.

The Squash Player, V.S. Chanithma Sinaly, has represented Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Asian Championships, and PSA-ranked international tournaments. Her achievements include a Commonwealth Games gold medal, national titles in both junior and women’s open categories, and consistent performances at international professional events — making her one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished young squash players.

The Swimmer, Nabhasshie Perera, has been a dominant figure at school, national, and age-group level swimming, holding multiple national records in butterfly events. She has represented Sri Lanka at Asian Age Group Championships, World Junior Championships, BIMSTEC competitions, and has secured numerous national and school-level gold medals, underlining her consistency and technical excellence in the pool.

Context Behind the Student Who Missed the Award
According to information that has surfaced following the incident, the student who did not receive the award had missed mandatory rehearsals linked to the Colours Night ceremony, reportedly due to competition schedules and training commitments. While this may have influenced procedural eligibility for the award presentation, it has raised important questions about how discipline-based criteria are applied to elite athletes competing at national and international level.

Observers have noted that while rules and protocols are essential, they must also be flexible and clearly communicated, especially when student athletes are balancing academic responsibilities with elite sporting commitments that extend beyond school boundaries.

Old Girls’ Association Calls for Inquiry
In response to the controversy, the Old Girls’ Association of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya issued a statement acknowledging that both athletes have significantly contributed to the school’s sporting legacy.

The association confirmed it would request the school administration to conduct a fair, impartial, and transparent inquiry, overseen by a panel of qualified sports experts, to review the award criteria and decision-making process. A report will be released once the inquiry is concluded.

Until then, the Old Girls’ Association has urged all parties to refrain from sharing or circulating content that could negatively affect the students involved or harm the reputation of the school.

As of now, the school administration has yet to issue a separate public response.

A Teachable Moment for School Sports Governance
Beyond the immediate controversy, the incident has opened a wider discussion on how schools recognise sporting excellence, especially when student athletes are performing at international and professional levels. Clear guidelines, transparent communication, and athlete-sensitive policies remain crucial to ensuring fairness and protecting young sportsmen and sportswomen from public disputes.