
Sri Lanka Aims for 10 Olympic Medals at the 2036 Games
Vision 2036, a transformative sports initiative, has set its sights on an ambitious goal: securing 10 Olympic medals for Sri Lanka at the 2036 Olympic Games which India is expected to host. Spearheaded by national record-holder and fitness industry pioneer Talavou Alailima, alongside a team of veteran sports leaders, senior administrators, and passionate professionals, this groundbreaking initiative is poised to revolutionize Sri Lanka’s sporting landscape.
At the heart of Vision 2036 is the “Lion Warrior” program, a high-performance training and development initiative aimed at nurturing Sri Lanka’s most promising young athletes. By providing elite training, sports nutrition, psychological conditioning, biomechanics analysis, and world-class mentorship, the program prepares school sports champions to dominate both regional and global arenas.
The Lion Warrior initiative integrates cutting-edge sports medicine, international competition exposure, and innovative injury prevention techniques to ensure athletes achieve peak performance. A critical part of this pipeline is the annual SportUnleash Schools Sports Awards, which identifies and celebrates exceptionally talented school athletes who will form the backbone of Sri Lanka’s sporting future.
Addressing the Challenge
Sri Lanka’s sports achievements have long been limited by systemic challenges and an absence of long-term strategies. Vision 2036, launched on December 5, 2023, recognizes this gap and seeks to propel the nation’s athletes onto the world stage with a strategic 12-year development plan. This initiative ensures consistency in training and competition exposure, creating a sustainable model for success.
Neighboring India’s bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, coupled with its substantial investment in sports infrastructure, has only reinforced the urgency of Sri Lanka’s response. Vision 2036 is a call to action, aimed at building a robust and competitive national sports program that will elevate the country’s international sports profile.
Building a Legacy: The Lion Warriors’ Path
Vision 2036 focuses on a comprehensive support system to develop a pool of 620 highly skilled and disciplined athletes, each equipped to compete at the highest levels. Underpinned by expert leadership, the initiative includes a series of specialized subcommittees that address key areas such as:
● Elite Training & Coaching Standards: Led by Col. Kapila Knowlton to ensure state-of-the-art training experiences.
● Sports Medicine & Psychology: Headed by Dr. Seevali Jayawickrama to optimize mental and physical performance.
● Nutrition & Supplementation: Managed by Mr. Hassen Sinhawansa and Mr. Ravi Perera for tailored dietary plans.
● Apparel & Equipment Sponsorships: Secured by Mr. Fabian Angunawela to provide world-class resources.
● Data Analytics: Overseen by Gen. Rohana Bandara for performance tracking and informed decision-making.
● Media & Communication: Led by Mr. Gregory De Silva to inspire the next generation through athlete achievements.
● Sponsorship & Employment Opportunities: Organized by Mr. Manoj Algama to ease financial burdens on athletes and their families.
By fostering collaborations with both government institutions and private sector partners, Vision 2036 ensures athletes have access to the resources they need to thrive. The program’s holistic approach emphasizes not just athletic excellence but also the long-term sustainability of sports in Sri Lanka.
A Vision for the Future
“Vision 2036 is more than a sports program; it is a movement. It is a testament to what can be achieved when expertise, passion, and collective will unite for a common goal,” said Talavou Alailima. “This initiative represents hope, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Together, we will not only transform athletes into world champions but also inspire a nation.”
Vision 2036 is committed to creating a legacy that goes beyond medals. It aims to instill a culture of sporting excellence, foster national pride, and inspire future generations to dream big and achieve the impossible.





