While other countries reward their Olympians after they win medals, Sri Lanka’s athletes heading for the Paris Games were given undisclosed payments by Sports Minister Harin Fernando at a ceremony held yesterday at the Duncan White auditorium in Colombo yesterday.
In all Rs. 128 million was dished out for the six athletes who will be at the Olympics as well as athletes who won medals at the Asian Games in China last September.
Para athletes who also won medals at the Asian level were also presented with cheques by the Minister at the function.
The captain of the Olympic team javelin thrower Dilhani Lekamge who is now 37 years said she never gave up her quest to secure a slot at the Olympics.
“I practiced for over 20 years and received support from the Ministry. I did not give up and thanks to the financial support I received from various sources. If I can reach my objective then others also can,” said Lekamge.
The youngest participant is 19-year old Tharushi Karunaratne from Ratnayake Central in Wallale who said she had tried hard to qualify by training hard without giving up hopes.
“I received support from the Sports Minister as well and won my first gold medal at the Asian Games in China before I was 19 years old. I am now happy to receive this valuable support so that I can pursue with my training in the future too,” said Tharushi.
The athlete who won medals at the Asian Paralympics, Anil Jayalath (gold and silver) was also presented with an undisclosed amount along with other medal winners.
A rugby playing school, Haddathithawa Secondary School from Mahiyangana, that caught the eye of Minister Harin Fernando on a recent visit was presented with a financial grant on the occasion.
“There are many shortcomings especially in athletics. An athlete has to go through a hard time in training amid difficulties and shortcomings. I will not give up and continue to look for ways to improve the facilities,” said Fernando.
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Mahiyangana rugby school recieves equipment
Rugby players from Haddathithawa Secondary School in Mahiyangana are all pumped up as they receive equipment from Sports Minister Harin Fernando
