Horse racing in Sri Lanka is to be given a boost by the new Minister of Sports Lakshman Kiriella.

Recently a delegation from the Ceylon Turf Club, headed by its president Dhammika Attygalle, met the Minister of Sports to discuss the future of horse racing in the country and about the Race Coursepremises in Nuwara Eliya, which had been handed over to the Sports Ministry.

With several race horse owners having recently imported thoroughbreds from India and the Middle East, there are now nearly 100 thoroughbreds for racing and breeding purposes. Once horse racing is revived to its past glory, it will create more job opportunities for riders, trainers, keepers and stable lads. It will also draw more tourist and investors.

Minister Kiriella has given the Turf Club the green light to hold first race meet in Nuwara Eliya for the year 2001 during the festive season of April and later in August.