At the invitation of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, Sri Lanka’s javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga — who recently set a new national record at the Indian Open Athletics Championships — met the minister today (August 14) at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
During the discussion, Minister Gamage extended his best wishes to Tharanga for all upcoming competitions. He also pledged that the ministry would provide all necessary facilities for Tharanga’s preparation ahead of the upcoming World Javelin Throw Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games.
Deputy Minister of Sports, Sugath Thilakaratne, noted that with his throw of 86.50 meters — ranking seventh in the world — Tharanga is a rare talent who must be retained and supported for the nation’s sporting success.
He further emphasized that introducing knowledge from foreign coaches to local trainers, and gaining exposure to advanced technical methods through competitions such as the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics, would be a long-term investment for future victories.
Also present at the meeting were Tharanga’s father and coach, along with M. Asker Ali, Director of Speed Sports Pvt. Ltd., who presented Tharanga with essential sports equipment.
