Speaking at a recent media briefing, Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera said, "around 12 percent of the school children in Sri Lanka suffer from diabetes and several non communicable diseases which could lead to a huge problem in the future."

"Children who engaged in sports should be given extra marks in term tests," the Minister added.

To promote physical fitness and well being among the people of Sri Lanka the Ministry of Sports have declared January 25-30 as a National Week for Sports and Physical Fitness titled "Run Sri Lanka Run".

The programme will be focused on citizens in state organizations, students, youth and women's affairs, health and indigenous medicine sectors, security services, private entrepreneurships, sports associations, federations, organizations and general public.

The fitness programmes will start at 7.00 am each day. President Maithripala Sirisena and other parliamentarians are also due to take part.

Medical
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health stated recently that it was compulsory for all schoolchildren to produce a medical certificate before participating in certain sports competitions.

However, the certificate is required only certain sports and Athletic events including marathons and races exceeding 1500m, cycling, swimming events exceeding 400m, rugby, climbing, self defence sports, boxing and cadeting.