Athletics: Special felicitation to ‘Yogananda’

There was a felicitation event for veteran athletic coach and retired director of the Institute of National Sports Science Yogananda Wijesundera at the Olympic House this week. 

The event was organised by ‘Save the Sports Organisation’. 

The reason being that he been in the coaching and sports administration for 50 years. 

He started with volleyball and switched on to athletics. 

At school he excelled in the 110 yards hurdles. 

According to his performances he joined the Sports Ministry as a sports officer. 

He emerged as a top sports coach in the calibre of K.L.F. Wijedasa, S.M.G. Bandara, Late Lakshman de Alwis, Late Brig. Parry Liyanage and Late National Athletics Coach Derwin Perera. 

He has produced the highest number of Sri Lanka record holders. 

His products have broken the national records from 100 metres to 1500 metres. 

No athletics coach in the past has produced such performers. 

Those who have broken records were: Thilaka Jinadasa (100 M Hurdles), Dilema Pieterson (Long Jump), Sriyani Dhammika Manike (800 M), Jayamini Illeperuma (100 M, 200 M, 400 M and 800 M), Ravindra Kumara Fernando (400 M), Late K.A.Karunaratne (10,000 M and Marathon), Manjula Rajakaruna (110 M Hurdles) and Pathmakumara Amarasekera (400 M). 

“Arjuna Ranatunga was the chief guest at thus felicitation ceremony. At a time when almost everybody has forgotten my achievements ‘Save The Sports Organisation’ came forward to have this ceremony. I am very proud of it. My eye sight is now weak and I find it difficult to concentrate on my work. Nevertheless I am not willing to accept defeat”, concluded Yogananda Wijesundera. 

‘Save The Sport Organisation’ made a special award to Yogananda and Mc Larens Group made a special cash award to Yogananda.