A ceremonial motorcade and public felicitation were held in Colombo today (05) to honour javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga, who won gold, and Palitha Bandara, who secured silver at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The athletes were welcomed by large crowds and schoolchildren as the motorcade travelled through the city from Torrington Square, with several institutions and organisations along the route organising special receptions in recognition of their achievements.
The procession was also greeted by Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar and representatives of the Colombo Municipal Council at the Town Hall premises.
A formal felicitation ceremony was later held at Torrington Square with the participation of Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, Deputy Sports Minister Sugath Thilakaratne, Sports Ministry Secretary Aruna Bandara, Director General of Sports Development S. Achchuthan and other officials.
Addressing the event, Minister Gamage said the Government would continue to provide the necessary support for athletes and coaches to achieve success at the highest international level.
He said the Government had recognised the potential of athletes such as Rumesh Tharanga and would continue to strengthen support through the “Mission Olympic” programme, including financial assistance and facilities for both athletes and coaching staff.
The Minister also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to developing the sports sector with a view to achieving success at the 2028 Olympic Games. (Newswire)