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About Us

Empowering lives through the power of sport

Special Olympics Sri Lanka is the official national program of the global Special Olympics movement — a movement dedicated to creating a more inclusive world for individuals with intellectual disabilities.Rooted in the belief that every person, regardless of ability, deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive, we provide year-round sports training, Olympic-style competition, and inclusive health and education programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Through sport, we empower our athletes to build confidence, develop lifelong skills, and experience the joy of teamwork, friendship, and personal achievement — both on and off the field. Special Olympics Sri Lanka is more than a sports program — it is a platform for transformation, unity, and hope. 

Our mission

To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

what we do

At Special Olympics Sri Lanka, we harness the power of sport to transform lives. As part of the global Special Olympics movement, we provide year-round sports training, Olympic-style competition, and inclusive health and education programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities across the country.

Our programs go beyond the playing field — they build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills, while promoting acceptance and inclusion in schools, communities, and workplaces. Whether it’s through athletics, leadership development, health screenings, or unified sports that bring people of all abilities together, we are creating a more compassionate, inclusive Sri Lanka — one athlete, one family, and one community at a time.

high quality training

We provide structured, year-round sports training led by certified coaches to help athletes with intellectual disabilities reach their full potential. Our programs focus on skill development, physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork — ensuring every athlete trains in a safe, supportive, and high-performance environment tailored to their individual needs.

qualified coaches & instructors

Our coaches and instructors are trained professionals and volunteers who are passionate about inclusion and excellence. Each is equipped with the knowledge and tools to support athletes with intellectual disabilities, ensuring safe, effective, and engaging training that promotes both skill development and personal growth.

safe & supportive environment

We create a safe, respectful, and inclusive space where every athlete feels valued and encouraged. From proper equipment and facilities to emotional support and positive reinforcement, we prioritize the physical and psychological well-being of all participants, empowering them to thrive both on and off the field.

BOard members
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Conrad Francis– OLY
Board Chairperson of Special Olympics Sri Lanka
A former national swimmer who represented Sri Lanka for 17 years,competing in two Olympics, SAF Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships. A former National Captain, he earned a Postgraduate Certificate in International Sports Management and has 16 years’ experience in coaching and sports administration worldwide. Conrad mentors athletes transitioning beyond sport and works with WAoS and Athletes Soul. As Chairperson, he champions inclusion, aiming to expand opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities, fostering respect, participation, and the power of sport to transform lives.
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Dr. Lahiru Kodituwakku
Disability Expert/Vice Chair
A medical doctor by profession and an expert in public health and disaster management has extensive ground-level experience in working with vulnerable communities, including persons with disabilities. He has held managerial and advisory portfolios in the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka, the United Nations Population Fund, and several nongovernmental organizations. He was the secretary of the Sri Lanka Medical Association in 2024 and is currently a council member. The values of Special Olympics resonate with his ideals of working towards the health and wellbeing of deprived communities across the country.
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Lakmal Jayasinghe
Founding Board Member/Treasurer/Finacial Expert
Lakmal Jayasinghe is the Chief Business Officer – Enterprise Business at SLT-Mobitel and CEO of Xyntac Singapore Pte Ltd. A
chartered engineer with an MBA from the University of Colombo, he has over 27 years of experience in leadership across engineering and business. As Patron of the Mercantile Volleyball Association of Sri Lanka, he combines his professional expertise and passion for sports to support the mission of Special Olympics Sri Lanka.
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Amila Karunathilake
Board Secretary
A physiotherapist at Ayati, National Center for Children with Disabilities, with experience in pediatric neurodevelopment and complex rehabilitation. Served as clinical lead of the physiotherapy team in 2024, guiding multidisciplinary care and mentoring colleagues. A committed clinical educator, training health professional students and trainees. Passionate about empowering children with disabilities through sports, fostering inclusion, confidence, and sportsmanship.
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James De Rosario
Family/Close relation of an Individual with ID
A certified American Council on Exercise personal trainer with a Higher National Diploma in Exercise & Sports Science and founder of Sweatshop Fitness. He has led strategic growth and promoted wellness across Sri Lanka, developing corporate programs for Hemas Group and Marks & Spencer. A strong advocate for inclusive sports and holistic health, he works to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities. As a Special Olympics board member, he drives new initiatives in Sri Lanka, advancing accessibility, community wellness, and innovation in fitness.
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Sanjaya Ganlath
Sports Expert/Sports Director
A sports manager and mentor dedicated to empowering Sri Lankan athletes to reach their full potential. As the founder of The Sports Manager LK and Sports Thrive, he focuses on athlete development, career management, and creating pathways for young talents to thrive locally and internationally. His work bridges sports, mentorship, and purpose-driven leadership to build a stronger sporting culture in Sri Lanka.
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Nandasiri Ponnamperuma
Accounting Expert (FCA, MBA(Fin), FCMA)
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, with an MBA in Finance from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. A former banker with over 30 years of senior financial experience, he is the managing partner of Ponnamperuma & Co., Chartered Accountants. He serves as president of SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka, a member of its International Board, and director of Sanasa Life Insurance PLC. A pioneer in tax, management, and forensic auditing, he is also a past TRCSL Board Member and USQ Sri Lanka Chapter President.