Sri Lankan sprinter Yupun Abeykoon has denied allegations that he demanded US$300,000 from the government to continue representing Sri Lanka as an athlete. Yupun Abeykoon is responding to a recent statement made by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage.
He says the demand is related to outstanding payments and long-term commitments made by previous governments. He says the amount is related to payments that were due to him and his support team over the years, including payments up to 2021.
“I did not ask for $300,000 as a condition for continuing to compete. The request was based on promises made by previous ministers and discussions that took place over many years. All of this is documented,” he said.
Yupun says all he did was ask the sports minister to intervene to resolve this issue that has been unresolved for more than four years.