For the first time in the history of the Northern Province, the ‘Provincial Sports Meet – 2026’ for Child Development Centres was successfully held in Jaffna.
Organized by the Northern Province Department of Probation and Child Care Services, this grand sporting event was ceremonially inaugurated at 2.00 p.m on Saturday, 11 July 2026, at the Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna.
This marks the first time that such a large-scale provincial sporting event has been organized with the objective of encouraging and developing the sporting talents of children living in child care homes. Representing all districts of the Northern Province, approximately 1,100 children from 29 registered Child Development Centres under the Department participated enthusiastically in the event.
The participating institutions included nine homes from Jaffna, six homes each from Kilinochchi and Mannar, five homes from Vavuniya, and three homes from Mullaitivu.
Prior to the provincial finals, separate district-level competitions were held in each district, through which the most talented athletes were selected to compete at the provincial level.
Competitions were conducted across five age categories — Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20—providing opportunities for children to showcase both their physical and mental abilities. Events included track races, long jump, high jump, discus throw, shot put, relay races, tug of war, and the traditional game of Thaachi, with participants displaying exceptional enthusiasm and sporting talent.
The event was presided over by Mrs. Sujeeva Sivathas, Commissioner of the Provincial Department of Probation and Child Care Services. The Chief Guest was Mrs. Thanuja Murugesan, Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, while Mrs. Jayarani Paramothayan, Secretary to the Northern Provincial Ministry of Health, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The ceremony commenced with the distinguished guests being welcomed to the accompaniment of a traditional band, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial oil lamp. The National Flag was hoisted by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Provincial Flag by the Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Health, and the Olympic Flag by the Commissioner of the Probation Department.
Following the singing of the National Anthem and the Departmental Anthem, the Olympic torch was lit, and the Chief Secretary officially declared the sports festival open. This was followed by the athletes’ and officials’ oath-taking ceremony, a ceremonial march past by the participating children, and the commencement of the competitions. As part of the programme, the distinguished guests also visited the participating homes, while a special cultural performance titled “Music and Movement” was staged.
Following the welcome address and presidential remarks by Commissioner Mrs. Sujeeva Sivathas, the invited dignitaries delivered their special addresses. The event concluded with a grand prize-giving ceremony honouring the winning participants. The inaugural Provincial Sports Meet for Child Development Centres in the Northern Province officially came to a close with the vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. K. Sivaranchini, Assistant Commissioner of Provincial Department of Probation and Child Care Services, followed by the lowering of the flags.
