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Sri Lanka – Founding Chapter of ICTSG Overview Sri Lanka officially participated in the ICTSG founding gathering held in Istanbul, Turkey on 13–14 August 2018, during the AAC and 4th Collective Consultation Meeting. Represented by Mr. Muhammad Faiszer Mustapha, then Minister of Sports, Sri Lanka joined over 40 countries to adopt the foundational framework of ICTSG, reinforcing its commitment to promoting traditional sports for future generations. Delegation and Signing The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Mr. Muhammad Faiszer Mustapha, serving as official signatory and then Minister of Sports. His participation across the 13–14 August 2018 meeting underscored the country’s dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage through traditional sports and games. Strategic Geographic and Cultural Context Situated in South Asia, Sri Lanka is an island nation with a rich blend of Sinhalese, Tamil, and Moor cultural heritage. With rainforests, coastal plains, and ancient civilization sites, its natural and cultural diversity has inspired a variety of traditional sports—from stick combative games to ritualistic processions—embodying its global reputation in sports and heritage preservation. Popular Traditional & Indigenous Sports in Sri Lanka

Dambara Yak Nāṭa: A ritual dance with fighting movements, dating back centuries and performed during festivals in the central highlands. Elle: A bat-and-ball game similar to cricket, played historically in villages and passed through generations. Olinda Keliya: A traditional board game known across South Asia, symbolizing strategy, chance, and cultural connection.

Sri Lanka’s Role in ICTSG Formation By officially signing the foundational document at the AAC and 4th Collective Consultation Meeting in Istanbul, Sri Lanka affirmed its role as a Founding Member of ICTSG. Its contribution anchors South Asian cultural perspectives within the global dialogue on intangible heritage. For more detail, refer to the formation history of ICTSG. Weather and Climate Conditions Sri Lanka experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with wet and dry seasons shaped by the southwest and northeast monsoons. This climate nurtures rural and village-based traditional games, often played during dry months when communities gather for festivals. Understanding weather cycles is key to preserving seasonal sports traditions like elle and dambara performances. UN Sustainable Development Goals Alignment Sri Lanka’s engagement with ICTSG aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well‑Being: Traditional games support physical fitness and social cohesion. SDG 4 – Quality Education: Integrating indigenous sports into school programs nurtures cultural awareness. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Heritage sports foster community identity and inclusion. SDG 16 – Peace and Strong Institutions: Collective recognition of cultural sports supports resilient governance.

Historical Relevance & Future Vision Sri Lanka’s legacy in dance, ceremonial martial arts, and communal games dates back to ancient kingdoms and temple festivals. Through ICTSG, the country is now shaping future cultural diplomacy by sharing its traditions widely. Expanding research, documentation, and youth engagement initiatives sustain these practices for generations to come. Call to Action Join us in celebrating and preserving Sri Lanka’s traditional sports heritage. Your participation can make a lasting impact. Get Involved   Benefits of Joining   Support ICTSG

About ICTSG: The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and revitalizing traditional sports and games as powerful tools for education, peace, and sustainable development.

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