October 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan football could be heading towards a major revival following high-level talks in Azerbaijan, where FIFA and local sports authorities discussed an extensive development plan designed to make the game the country’s leading sport within the next four years.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino met Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage and Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar in Baku to explore ways of expanding participation, upgrading sporting facilities and creating a more effective pathway for young players to progress to the international stage.
The proposed initiative aims to tackle some of the longstanding challenges facing the sport, from inadequate playing facilities to the need for stronger youth competitions, better coaching and improved support for national teams.
Infantino said FIFA was keen to work alongside the Sri Lankan Government and football authorities to turn the country’s considerable enthusiasm and talent for the game into meaningful progress.
The meeting also included National Sports Council Chairman Priyantha Ekanayake and Prasanna Jayalath, who leads the country’s High Performance Centre initiative.
In outlining the discussions, Infantino highlighted the importance of investment in facilities and grassroots development, stressing that young players needed proper opportunities to develop their abilities and pursue careers in football.
He also pointed to the ongoing FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival as an example of how international events can inspire children, provide valuable playing experience and give aspiring footballers the opportunity to represent their country.
Minister Gamage welcomed FIFA’s continued involvement in developing Sri Lankan football, particularly its support for national teams and youth programmes. He reiterated the Government’s intention to broaden the sport’s reach and improve its competitiveness at home and abroad.
A major component of the proposed roadmap is an expected FIFA funding allocation of approximately US$25 million over the next four-year cycle. The money is intended to support several areas of the game, including national team development, youth football, women’s competitions, coaching education and referee training.
If implemented effectively, the investment could provide a stronger foundation for developing local talent and improving the performance of Sri Lankan teams in regional and international competitions.
Infrastructure is another central element of the plan. Discussions covered the possibility of constructing a modern international-standard football stadium, alongside a wider network of facilities that would allow more people to play the game regardless of where they live.
One particularly ambitious proposal involves establishing football grounds in every district, with construction expected to begin next year. The initiative is intended to bring organised football closer to schools, young players and local communities, reducing the barriers that often prevent talented youngsters from progressing.
Separately, the FFSL plans to develop around 40 grounds through its affiliated member leagues by the end of 2031. The additional facilities would expand opportunities for training, competitions and community participation while helping clubs build stronger youth programmes.
The establishment of a National High-Performance Centre was also discussed as a priority. With technical guidance and infrastructure assistance expected from FIFA, working alongside the Government and the FFSL, the proposed centre would focus on identifying promising players, improving coaching standards and preparing athletes for higher levels of competition.
Such a facility could become an important part of a more structured development system, connecting grassroots football with elite training and national team selection. It would also provide a platform for improving technical expertise and introducing more consistent methods of player development.
The scale of the proposals reflects an effort to address football’s development needs through a coordinated national strategy rather than isolated projects. Success, however, will depend on sustained investment, effective management and the ability to translate plans into facilities and programmes that deliver results on the ground.
For Sri Lanka, the immediate challenge will be ensuring that promised resources reach clubs, schools, coaches and young players throughout the island. Better infrastructure alone will not guarantee international success, but it can create the conditions needed for a stronger football culture to emerge.
The ambition outlined in Baku is clear: widen access to the game, improve standards at every level and give Sri Lankan footballers a realistic route from local pitches to the international arena. The longer-term goal is to make football the country’s most popular sport within four years, a target that would require broad public participation and consistent progress across the national game.
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