The distribution of cricket equipment to schools in the Western Province was held today (June 06) at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the patronage of the Deputy Minister of Sports, Sugath Thilakaratne, in conjunction with the School Cricket Development Program implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with the aim of 'Identifying children with cricket skills at the regional level through improving access to cricket'.

It is hoped that a foundation will be laid for the creation of a strong national cricket team and that cricket will be developed as an industry through the identification of human resources. Side wickets and cricket equipment were provided to 30 selected new (currently non-cricket-playing) schools in the Western Province.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Sports Sugath Thilakaratne, officials of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, principals of selected schools in the Western Province, teachers and school students.

Participating in the event, Deputy Minister of Sports Sugath Thilakaratne said that it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to provide the necessary facilities for the development of sports, and therefore, such good programs that have been implemented so far will be implemented in the future.

Stating that this program is being carried out targeting all districts and that its benefits will be received by the children of all schools that play cricket, the Deputy Minister added that he hopes that providing these cricket equipment will help in their sports lives as there are many children who do not have the means to buy sports equipment.

The Deputy Minister addressed the school children and asked them to make the most of the facilities available to them as the future generation who will take over the future of the country and to maintain a balance between sports and education.

Sports are expected to produce good, healthy citizens, and the government will continue to work to provide the necessary infrastructure for sports, Deputy Minister of Sports Sugath Thilakaratne said.