Let’s work as a team and raise Sri Lanka to be the best in the world against all odds following the example of Dasun Shanaka – President
President Ranil Wickremesinghe commended the award-winning athletes and cricket and netball teams for setting an example to the rest of the country that despite setbacks and shortcomings they had to endure over the years it was their determination and fighting spirit that helped them achieve victory against all odds.
He said this during a felicitation ceremony was held for the Sri Lankan Netball team that won the Asian Championship, the cricket team that won the Asia Cup and the winners of the Commonwealth games.
The event was held at the Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts in Colombo yesterday under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
In accordance with a request made by the Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, each member of the victorious netball team received a reward of Rs. 2 million each, which was gifted by the Sri Lanka Cricket as a goodwill gesture of sporting comradeship.
In addition, the Commonwealth Silver Medalists received Rs. 10 million each, while Bronze Medalists received Rs. 5 million each. The coaches of the winning athletes were also felicitated during this event and they were accorded 25% of the cash rewards presented to the athletes. These rewards were made available from the sports fund.
Sri Lanka won 4 medals in the 22nd Commonwealth Games held recently in Birmingham, Britain. Palitha Bandara won the silver medal in the discus throw in the para sports category, while Yupun Abeykoon won the 100m event, Nethmi Ahimsa Poruthota in the women’s 57kg wrestling event and Dilanka Isuru Kumara won the bronze medals in the 55kg weightlifting category.
The awards ceremony was organized by the Ministry of Sports and Sports Associations, with the official sponsorship of Dialog Asiata and hosted by Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts.
Addressing the gathering at this event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said thanked the athletes for setting an example to the rest of the country that despite the setbacks and shortcomings they had to endure over the years it was their determination and fighting spirit that helped them achieve victory against all odds.
(Pix: SLC)
