Olympic Day 2026 Celebrated in Colombo with Strong Focus on Youth, Unity and Active Living
The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka) marked Olympic Day 2026 with a vibrant celebration at Independence Square, Colombo, bringing together athletes, officials, students, and sports enthusiasts in a nationwide call to embrace physical activity and the values of the Olympic Movement.
Observed annually on June 23, Olympic Day commemorates the establishment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894, a milestone that led to the revival of the modern Olympic Games. Over the decades, the occasion has grown into a global movement encouraging participation in sport while promoting the Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship, and respect.
This year’s celebrations aligned with the international theme, “Let’s Move 2026”, accompanied by the motivational message “You Can Do This!”. The campaign encourages individuals of all ages, particularly young people, to overcome hesitation and take positive steps toward healthier and more active lifestyles through sport and physical activity.
The highlight of the event was the Olympic Day Walk, which was followed by an official ceremony at Independence Square. Approximately 500 participants joined the celebrations, including athletes, sports administrators, government representatives, stakeholders, and members of Sri Lanka’s sporting community.
A significant feature of the event was the participation of several Sri Lankan Olympians who proudly carried the Olympic Torch during the walk. Among them were Sri Lanka’s only living Olympic medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe, along with fellow Olympians Niluka Karunaratne, Chamara Dharmawardana, Kyle Abeysinghe, and Viren Nettasinghe. Their presence served as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and reinforced the enduring spirit of the Olympic Movement.
Youth participation remained a key focus of the celebrations, with students from seven schools actively taking part in the programme. The participating schools included Weluwana Madyamaha Vidyalaya, Anuruddha Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Rathnawali Balika Vidyalaya, Yasodara Balika Vidyalaya, St. Joseph’s Boys’ College, Lumbini Maha Vidyalaya, and Ashoka Maha Vidyalaya. Their enthusiastic involvement reflected the ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of sport and healthy living among future generations.
The event was attended by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage as Chief Guest. Guests of Honour included Deputy Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council Hemantha Weerakoon and Acting Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Kamoshida Naoaki.
The celebrations were led by NOC Sri Lanka President Asanga Seneviratne and Secretary General Rifdy Fahmy, together with members of the organisation’s Executive Board. Representatives from various sports and government institutions were also present, including officials from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Colombo Municipal Council, the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency, and the Institute of Sports Medicine.
Also attending the event was Asanka de Mel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LOVI Ceylon, which serves as the official opening ceremony clothing sponsor for Team Sri Lanka at major international multi-sport events, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Olympic Day 2026 once again highlighted the unifying power of sport and its ability to inspire confidence, strengthen communities, and promote healthier lifestyles. As participants gathered under the Olympic banner, the event reinforced a simple yet powerful message: sport has the ability to bring people together and encourage positive change across society.
With athletes, students, officials, and supporters walking side by side, the celebrations at Independence Square demonstrated that the Olympic spirit continues to thrive in Sri Lanka, inspiring people of all ages to move, participate, and strive for excellence.
