Categories: Articles

LNP – GS Sports denies links to Namal’s project

GS Sports has denied any involvement with a project initiated by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Namal Rajapaksa to establish 500 container crossfit gyms islandwide.

Part of businessman Dilith Jayaweera’s, George Steuart Group, GS Sports said that the timing of the launch of GS Sports two days before cabinet approval for the container gyms was a coincidence that led to unfounded and irresponsible speculation.

It also said that in keeping with the scale and impact of the GS Sports venture, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Namal Rajapaksa was invited to be Chief Guest at the launch in his capacity as the subject minister for sports.

“While categorically denying any relationship to the proposed government project, Team GS Sports would like to elaborate on its decision to launch a chain of fitness equipment stores, with two stores already opened on Galle Road, Colombo 03 and in Madiwela, Kotte. George Steuart Health, over its four decades, has represented several top sports health brands, including Mueller Sports Medicine, one of the world’s top manufacturers of Kinesiology Tape. During the past fifteen years, George Steuart Health has engaged in direct sourcing and direct sales of high quality fitness equipment,” GS Sports said.

The company said that the establishment of GS Sports as a fully owned subsidiary was borne of the opportunity seen for a large corporate player to enter the health and fitness space, given the growing demand for residential and commercial gymnasiums.

During the launch phase, GS Sports says it will operate several upmarket sports equipment showrooms in prime commercial space.

“It must be noted that any rudimentary calculation would show that the investment in merely establishing these outlets would far outweigh any significant profit that may be accrued from the supply of 500 fully outfitted container gyms to the government,” GSD Sports said.

It added that in November 2020, the Sports and Recreation Department invited tenders for 25 container based gym facilities; while George Steuart Health was among seven bidders whose tenders were accepted, the tender was awarded to High Octane Fitness Centre (Pvt) Limited, the lowest bidder. As such, the GS Sports reiterated that it plays no role in the project in its present form.

Tyronne Jayamanne

View Comments

  • This is what happens when one invites politicians to open a business. Of course it is the wish of GS sports. But in general there are many popular sports personalities who can add credibility to this venture by GS sports.

Recent Posts

LNP – Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s grandmother Daisy Forest arrested

Daisy Forest, also known as “Daisy Achchi,” the maternal grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, was questioned…

23 hours ago

LNP – EC begins preparations for LG polls

The Election Commission has commenced preliminary preparations following the announcement of nominations for the upcoming…

1 day ago

LNP – Several roads in Yala National Park to reopen starting today

The Department of Wildlife Conservation says that steps will be taken to reopen a limited…

1 day ago

LNP – Contaminated coconut oil in the local market: Minister

Contaminated coconut oil which is unsuitable for human consumption has entered the local market, Minister…

1 day ago

LNP – Govt. to go ahead with animal census despite pushback

Notwithstanding significant criticism from relevant stakeholders including environmentalists, the government has decided to go ahead…

1 day ago

LNP – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka in April?

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to Sri Lanka in…

1 day ago