Olympian Darsha wins race to become a Sri Lanka Athletics vice-presidents
Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) has drawn up a four-year plan (2021-2024) for athletes to shine on the international stage with the help of State and private sector sponsorship, top officials of SLA President Maj. Gen. (rtd) Palitha Fernando and general secretary Prema Pinnawela stated after being elected uncontested at their annual general meeting yesterday.
Olympian Damayanthi Darsha was elected as one of the eight vice presidents from among 14 candidates at the election of office-bearers held at the Duncan White auditorium of the Sports Ministry yesterday.
Ajith Naragala received the highest number of 76 votes in the contest for vice president while long standing administrator G.L.S. Perera was also re-elected as a vice president. Former champion sprinter Darsha was elected into office for the first time receiving 53 votes.
During the past 99 years, Sri Lanka’s athletes have won two Olympic medals, two World Championship medals, two Commonwealth Games medals, 25 Asian Games medals in addition to many medals at the South Asian Games. Sri Lanka is ranked first among South Asian nations for the number of international medals won in athletics.
Maj. Gen. Fernando has served in the SLA executive committee in various capacities since the mid 90s rising to become president. SLA secretary Pinnawela is a man who counts 52 years experience in sports administration, including 14 years as secretary general of the National Olympic Committee. He was also one of the architects of the South Asian Games.
SLA President Maj. Gen. Fernando and Secretary Pinnawela may be starting their final lap as athletic administrators.
“We have served a long time in governing athletics in the country. We also held several positions in the Asian Athletic body. We can be pleased with the service we rendered for athletics and for the welfare of the athletes. We have already identified several potential youth athletes. We expect them to win medals of all colours at the Asian Games (2022), Commonwealth Games (2022) and Olympic Games (2024),” said Fernando and Pinnawela.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be marking its centenary in athletics on 18 February 2022. The athletics authorities are making preparations to celebrate the centenary with a grand international event with the participation of super stars provided the coronavirus pandemic eases.
SLA is hoping to invite Asian Athletic Association president Dahlan Umaan Al Hamad, World Athletic President Seb Coe and World Athletic Vice President Sergei Bubka for the event.
“We have no hesitation in giving up office in the future but we won’t give up our association with athletics,” said Fernando and Pinnawela.
Whereas SLA has earmarked several international competitions for Sri Lanka’s juniors to participate, since athletes like Anura Dharshana and Wasanthi Maristela burst into international prominence after taking part in junior South Asian and Asian championships, they hope to host either of these two events in 2022.
| Following are the SLA office-bearers for 2021-2024: President– Maj. Gen. (rtd) Palitha Fernando Vice Presidents – Ajith Haragala (76 votes), Lal Chandrakumara (62), Jagath Gnanasiri (62), Channaka Ekanayake (57), G.L.S. Perera (56), Prasantha Indika (53), Damayanthi Darsha (53) Upali Amarathunga General Secretary – Prema Pinnawela Asst Secretary – Palitha Jayathilleke Treasurer – Shantha de Silva Asst Treasurer – H.A. Upali Athletic Recorder – Samankumara Gunawardena | |