Rio 2016 Olympic contingent meets President

The Rio Olympic contingent met President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday at the President’s official residence.

The President engaged in a cordial discussion with the athletes and wished them well for the competition. 

The Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil from 5-21 August 2016 with the participation of 10,500 sportsmen and women representing 206 countries.

The Olympics will consist of 28 games and track and field events where 306 gold, silver and bronze medals will be up for grabs. The return of rugby since 1924 and golf since 1904 are two very significant developments at this year’s Olympics. 

Nine athletes from Sri Lanka have qualified to compete in eight events at the Summer Olympic Games this year. Sri Lanka will be represented in the marathon (men and women), javelin throw (men), badminton, judo, weightlifting, swimming and shooting.

Four souvenir stamps and First Day Covers, issued by the Postal Department to mark the Olympic Games 2016, were presented to the President at this occasion. The souvenir stamps are priced at Rs. 8, Rs. 10, Rs. 35 and Rs. 50.

Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, Postal Services Minister Abdul Haleem and Olympic Committee President Hemasiri Fernando were among those present at the occasion.