Sri Lanka to send 165-strong contingent to Commonwealth Games 2022

NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam (right) addresses the media at a briefing held at the NOC headquarters yesterday flanked by Sri Lanka team Chef de Mission Major Dampath Fernando

The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka announced yesterday that Sri Lanka would send a contingent of 165 athletes and officials to the XXII Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham from 28 July to 8 August.

“At a time, we as a nation are enduring unprecedented economic crisis situation in the country, the decision to send a national sports contingent comprising of 114 male and female athletes spreading over a 15 sports disciplines under open and qualifying sports allocation slots along with 51 team officials and supporting staff to take part in this prestigious event is undoubtedly a lifetime opportunity bestowed upon our national athletes,” states an NOCSL media release.

“Due to the financial constraints and qualifying in sports with qualifying standards to earn the eligibility for participation, the selection was done meticulously through a stringent selection process under the scrutiny of CGA Sri Lanka, MOYS and NSSC, restricting the total number to 114 male and female athletes,” the release further stated.

Unlike the Olympic Games, the athletes will not be housed in one Athletic village but distributed over five different Games villages within the boundaries of Birmingham. General Dampath Fernando will be the chef de mission of the contingent that will compete against 71 Commonwealth member nations and territories.