The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that participation in sports helps individuals learn to respect others, recognize and appreciate their talents, develop leadership qualities, and, most importantly, cultivate self-discipline.
The Provincial-Level Athletics Championship among Northern Province Schools was officially inaugurated by the Hon. Governor this morning, Monday, 22 June 2026, at the Duraiyappah Stadium, Jaffna.
At the commencement of the event, the guests were ceremonially escorted with a band procession. This was followed by the hoisting of flags, including the national flag, the lighting of the Olympic torch, and the athletes’ oath-taking ceremony. The Governor also received the salute from the student parade and presented certificates and awards to students who had excelled in major sporting events.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor further stated:
“I have repeatedly emphasized on many occasions that a student cannot become a complete individual through education alone. Alongside academic studies, students should actively participate in co-curricular activities such as arts and sports. It is through these avenues that holistic personality development can be achieved.
In recent times, changing dietary habits have raised serious concerns about the physical health of children. A healthy body and mind are essential for achieving excellence in education. Such well-being can be attained through sporting activities like these.
I extend my best wishes to all the students showing their talents at today’s provincial-level competitions. I hope you will go on to represent our province at the national level, achieve success, and bring pride to the Northern Province.
We are ready to provide the necessary infrastructure facilities to further develop the sports sector in the Northern Province. I am personally paying special attention to this matter. We stand prepared to support you in every possible way to help you succeed in sports.”
The opening ceremony was attended by the Secretary to the Northern Province Ministry of Education, the Provincial Director of Department of Education, Zonal Directors of Education, teachers, students, parents and many other participants.
