Athletics: Former NOC administrator Michael Karunathilake no more

Former sportsman, journalist and sports administrator, Michael Karunathilake has passed away according to the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC). 

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing away of Michael Karunathilake, former Administrative Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth Games Association of Sri Lanka (NOC and CGASL)," the NOC announced today (27).
 
Karunathilake was associated with the Olympic Movement in Sri Lanka from 1983 to 2015, until he retired due to ill-health. 

During his tenure at the NOC and CGASL, he was considered a pillar of strength to all the National Sports Organisations and Office Bearers of the NOC, with whom he worked very closely.
 
In recognition of his dedicated and legendry service throughout the years, he was presented the IOC Lifetime Award (150 years – Pierre de Coubertin – Sport – As a school of life) in January 2016.
 
According to the NOC, the funeral will be take place at Borella Cemetery at 4.00pm on Friday (29).

"The cortège of Mr. Michael Karunathilake will be taken to Methodist Church in Maradana at 2.30pm on Friday (29), for the Service at 3.00pm. The funeral will take place afterwards," the NOC statement said.