A late war veteran’s daughter who never saw her father and lived through her mother’s tears aims to conquer the world:
When Tharakaa Perera was born on August 13, 1998, she came into a world shadowed by immense sacrifice. Just one and a half months later, her father, Hettiarachchige Shantha Perera, a valiant soldier of the 9th Gemunu Watch (9GW) of the Sri Lanka Army, laid down his life in Paranthan during the civil war. Though she never experienced a father’s love, Tharakaa inherited his iron will and courage – a legacy that would shape her path in her quest for greatness.
Growing up in Kalutara with her mother, Lasanthi Herath, Tharakaa faced a life riddled with hardship. Her mother, widowed so young, bore the brunt of societal prejudice and financial struggles. “My mother raised me facing insults and humiliation, but she stood tall, enduring it all. I could not let her tears go in vain,” Tharakaa recalled.
Tharakaa with her mother Lasanthi
Inspired by her father’s heroism and her mother’s resilience, Tharakaa sought strength in adversity. After completing her education at Noor International School, she initially pursued athletics, competing in running events. But life’s challenges soon redirected her focus. In 2017, overwhelmed by the weight of her struggles, she discovered bodybuilding – a sport that demanded the same grit and discipline that coursed through her veins.
“I turned to the iron sport to steel myself against life’s setbacks. Every time I lifted weights, I felt like I was channelling my father’s strength and discipline,” she explains.
Bodybuilding became more than just a sport; it was a way for Tharakaa to discipline her mind and body while honouring her father’s legacy.
In 2019, she took up bodybuilding competitively, debuting at the All-Island novices championship where she claimed the Open Women’s Physique title after being coached by Pubudu Perera and Niranjan Kumar. Over the years, she continued to shine, securing third place at the CFS Meet in 2023 and excelling in powerlifting, earning second place in an All-Island Dead Lift competition. However, a spinal injury during her powerlifting career briefly paused her progress.
Despite these setbacks, Tharakaa set her sights on the international stage. Training for three months in Kalutara at gyms like The Legend Zone, Ruth Kalutara and NAT Fitness, she prepared herself for the IFBB Pro League Worldwide Muscle Regional Women’s Physique (168cm onwards) event in Thailand. With no dedicated coach, Tharakaa meticulously planned her training and diet, embodying the relentless drive that her father’s blood instilled in her.
In a field of elite competitors, she clinched second place, a historic achievement for Sri Lanka. “This medal is for my mother, who shed countless tears and for my father, whose courage lives on in me,” she says with pride. “To stand on an international stage and show the world that my father’s heroic blood runs through me is a dream come true.”
Her return to Sri Lanka was bittersweet. While the Ranaviru Seva Authority and Army comrades celebrated her triumph, there was no formal recognition from state officials or the sport’s body apart from a former official of the federation Sunil Master. “My village organised a welcome ceremony and some people congratulated me, but others didn’t even acknowledge my achievement. Still, I remain undeterred. My journey is for my mother and all war heroes who sacrificed everything for this country,” Tharakaa declared.
Tharakaa’s success was hard-won. She had no sponsors and spent over Rs.1.7 to compete, relying on her earnings as a fitness instructor, mother’s savings and support from the Ranaviru Seva Authority. “This sport is my life, my profession and my passion. I will continue to push forward, representing Sri Lanka on global platforms,” she asserted.
Tharakaa’s journey, shaped by the loss of a father she never knew and the unwavering love of her mother, is a testament to the power of resilience. Her silver medal at the IFBB Pro League event is not just a victory in bodybuilding; it is a symbol of her father’s courage, her mother’s sacrifice and her unyielding determination to rise above life’s adversities.
“I love you, my mother, for raising me amid so much pain and humiliation. This world victory is for you, and for my father’s heroic blood that gave me the strength to achieve greatness. I will continue to honour both of you, showing the world what I am capable of,” she posted on social media.
As Tharakaa trains for future international competitions, her story serves as an inspiration to all who face insurmountable challenges. It is a story of pain, perseverance and the triumph of the human spirit.
