This sports complex will accommodate 400 talented young sports personnel to pursue both education and sports, with the education ministry bearing the full expenses.

Within this sports complex, a college of physical eduction will come into being from 2018, says the minister.

The aim is to train physical training teachers to fill the many vacancies at schools island wide.

At the schools sports festival last year, Kariyawasam said a cabinet paper would be submitted to take over the Mahinda Rajapaksa stadium by the education ministry.

The complex will consist of a pavilion, office complex, running track, physical training centre, restaurant and a hostel.