Colombo, Jun 18 (IANS): A global anti-doping intergovernmental ministerial meeting got underway in Sri Lanka's capital on Monday, in order to discuss ways of freeing national and international level athletes from prohibited substances.

Twenty nine countries are participating in the '15th Asia/Oceania Regional Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti Doping in Sports' which is organised by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) and hosted this year by the Sri Lanka Anti Doping Agency (SLADA), reports Xinhua news agency.

Last year the global conference was hosted in Hangzhou, China.

Sri Lanka's Sports Minister, Faizer Mustapha, speaking at the launch of the event said that since 1999, Sri Lanka had been following the World Anti Doping Agency code in protecting all its athletes and providing a level playing field for all.

In 2013, Sri Lanka launched the SLADA, which has provided national leadership in eradicating all forms of doping from Sri Lankan sports.

Mustapha said such international forums provided countries the opportunity to reinforce all the anti doping laws and shed light on all athletes to do the right things by making educated judgments.

WADA President Craig Reedie, while congratulating Sri Lanka for maintaining an excellent sports reputation, said this global conference was an important meeting for the region and the global anti-doping movement.

The meeting will conclude on Tuesday.