Sri Lanka football development was discussed as FIFA and the Sports Minister explored infrastructure, government support and future investment.
COLOMBO — FIFA and the Sri Lankan Government have discussed plans to strengthen football development in the country, including improved infrastructure, government support and the possibility of developing a new football facility with international backing.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage met Sanjeevan Balasingam, FIFA Director for Asia and Oceania, in Colombo on September 24 for discussions on the future development of the sport.
Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar also participated in the discussions, according to the information provided to The Morning Telegraph.
Balasingam emphasised the importance of government cooperation in efforts to develop football in Sri Lanka, while discussions also covered potential FIFA support for infrastructure and equipment.
Separate reporting on the meeting confirmed that FIFA support for the development of football was discussed, including the construction of a football pitch with FIFA sponsorship and the provision of equipment for players.
Football Infrastructure Among Priorities
Developing better football infrastructure was a central element of the discussions.
The material provided to The Morning Telegraph says FIFA and the FFSL stressed the need for Sri Lanka to have a modern international-standard football facility.
Gamage expressed his willingness to help expedite the government procedures required to identify and secure suitable state land for such a project.
The discussions come as the Government pursues broader improvements to sporting infrastructure. Gamage has recently inspected development work at several sports grounds and said the Government intends to improve facilities available to athletes and communities.
Any large-scale football facility would still require the necessary approvals, land arrangements, funding agreements and implementation plans. The discussions therefore represent an early stage rather than confirmation that construction of an international stadium has been approved.
FFSL Sets Rs. 5 Billion Funding Target
The FFSL has outlined broader ambitions for expanding the game over the next four years.
According to the material supplied to The Morning Telegraph, the federation is targeting more than Rs. 5 billion in funding from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) during that period.
That figure represents an FFSL target rather than a confirmed funding commitment from FIFA or the AFC.
The federation also aims to increase participation to more than 100,000 players across different levels of football.
Infrastructure, grassroots participation, regional competitions and player development are expected to form important components of the federation’s plans.
FIFA and the AFC have long worked with national associations through development programmes intended to strengthen football administration, technical development and facilities. The AFC has previously publicly expressed its support for football-development efforts in Sri Lanka.
Government Cooperation Seen as Key
Government involvement could prove particularly important where future football projects require state land, regulatory approvals or coordination with public institutions.
During the September 24 meeting, Balasingam indicated that support would be extended towards developing football in Sri Lanka.
For the FFSL, the talks provide an opportunity to pursue international support while attempting to expand participation and improve the country’s football infrastructure.
The federation’s longer-term funding and participation targets will depend on future FIFA and AFC approvals, individual development programmes and the FFSL’s ability to implement projects that meet the governing bodies’ requirements.
The immediate next step will be to translate the discussions into specific proposals, particularly around land, infrastructure and funding, before any major new football facility can move from planning to implementation.
