Athletes form new wing to race to professional level

by Reemus Fernando

Couple of former national track and field athletes who had represented the country at different stages have joined hands with topnotch current athletes to form an athletes’ wing that will look into the welfare of fellow athletes. Headed by former national thrower Joy Danushka the Sri Lanka Track and Field Athletes Wing (SLTFAW) aims at providing assistance to current national athletes reach professional level and assure a happy retired life.

“Our intention is to help top athletes reach professional level. Their welfare is our priority,” former national sprinter Shehan Ambepitiya said in an interview with The Island.

Ambepitiya is the secretary of this newly formed Athletes Wing.

In reply to queries Ambepitiya said that the Athletes Wing formed on Wednesday will soon start looking for benefactors and sponsors to gather much needed funds.

“We took it as our responsibility to help fellow athletes. We have to blame ourselves for the current state of top athletes. We intend providing post career guidance to them,” said Joy Danushka the president of the Wing.

Athletes who are selected in the national pool are eligible to become members of the Sri Lanka Track and Field Athletes Wing.

Rewarding national records with financial awards, providing sponsorship for athletes reaching Olympic qualifying standards, media exposure for top performers, assistance for up and coming athletes are among the priorities of the newly formed Wing.

Most of the top athletes are already members or office bearers. Long jumper Danuka Liyanapathirana is the treasurer while throwers Olympian Sumedha Ranasinghe and Waruna Lakshan are vice presidents.

Office Bearers of the Sri Lanka Track and Field Athletes Wing

President:

Joy Danushka Perera

Secretary:

Shehan Ambepitiya

Treasurer:

Danuka Liyanapathirana

Chief Organiser:

Aravinda Samaranayaka

Auditor:

Salinda Ranaweera

Vice Presidents:

Sumedha Ranasinghe, Waruna Lakshan

Assistant Secretary:

Ireshani Rajasinghe

Assistant Treasurer:

Anjani Pulwansa

Committee Members:

Himasha Eshan, Dulanjalee Ranasighe, Kupun Kushantha, Tharika Fernando, Lakshika Sugandhi, Dilip Ruwan, Sisira Kumara, Ishara Madurangi, Safreen Ahamed.