Colombo: Sri Lankan Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has warned sportsmen with strict punishment, including life ban on those found guilty of doping.

Aluthgamage said Friday coaches and medical officers who prescribe banned drugs to sportsmen will also face severe punishments.

The minister made this announcement after obtaining legal advice from the country's Attorney General to stop sportsmen from using banned substances, Xinhua reported.

He said 23 national players were charged for doping, while 13 were found guilty since he took over the ministry.

The announcement comes ahead of a number of international sports events, including T20 World Cup in September and Asian Youth Games in 2017 in Sri Lanka. (IANS)