Sri Lanka’s javelin champion Rumesh Tharanga has expressed gratitude to those who offered financial assistance to purchase javelins following the recent damage to his equipment, but urged that such generosity be extended to other athletes across the country.

In a statement, Tharanga noted that while he will receive replacement javelins from the company responsible for the destruction, many other athletes are forced to spend their own money to buy essential equipment. He said that he had received offers of support enough to purchase 100 javelins, but urged the same assistance to be offered to other athletes in Sri Lanka.

“Please extend that love to other athletes of our nation, because it is difficult to pursue sports in Sri Lanka,” he said.

Tharanga emphasized that he has not accepted money or even a single rupee from anyone, clarifying that his appeal was to highlight the struggles faced by talented athletes from families experiencing financial hardship. 

He added that he intends to undertake a significant initiative following the ongoing 2026 Asian Games. (Newswire)

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Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Tharanga says he intends to retire after the 2036 Olympic Games in India.

“I will participate in the 2028 Olympic Games and the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane. I intend to retire after the 2036 Olympic Games in India,” he said.

Addressing a public event, Tharanga said his next focus is on securing an Olympic record at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, USA. 

He revealed that he aims to surpass the mark set by Arshad Nadeem, who threw 92.97m to establish a new Olympic record at Paris 2024.

“I believe I can achieve an average above 90 metres in Los Angeles. My main focus is on setting an Olympic record,” Tharanga added. (Newswire)

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Turkish Airlines has agreed to take necessary steps to promptly compensate for the damage caused to the sports equipment of world javelin champion Rumesh Tharanga, during a discussion held with Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku at the Civil Aviation Authority premises yesterday (15).

According to reports, at the meeting, Turkish Airlines representatives expressed their regret over the incident, assuring that institutional investigations will be carried out and a proper assessment of the damage will be made.

The discussion was chaired by Deputy Minister Kodithuwakku, with the participation of Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala, Civil Aviation Authority Director General Captain Daminda Rambukwella, CAA Chairman Retired Colonel Ranjith Rajasinghe, and officials from Turkish Airlines.

It was decided that the damage to Tharanga’s equipment would be evaluated swiftly and that compensation measures would be implemented without delay, following the inquiry into the incident.

The assurance comes after four javelins belonging to Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga were damaged during his return journey to Sri Lanka from Hungary recently via Turkish Airlines. 

The javelins were found damaged following the flight, prompting a complaint to be lodged with the airline over the incident.

“All three javelins I used for over 90 throws have been damaged. It might have been a mistake by the airline, but that’s how it is. It’s not a big issue. I’ll move on,” Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Tharanga said, commenting on the incident. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga has risen to World No. 1 in the men’s javelin throw with 1,354 ranking points.

He achieved the top spot after winning gold at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, England.

Tharanga becomes the first Sri Lankan athlete to lead the men’s javelin throw world rankings.

Full rankings list : https://worldathletics.org/world-rankings/javelin-throw/men (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Air Force has promoted Commonwealth Games gold medallist Rumesh Tharanga from the rank of Corporal to Sergeant in recognition of his historic achievement in the men’s javelin throw at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The promotion was conferred by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, in recognition of Tharanga’s landmark performance, which earned Sri Lanka a historic Commonwealth Games athletics gold medal.

The Air Force Commander also commended coach Retired Warrant Officer Tony Prasanna for his expert guidance in preparing the athlete and acknowledged the dedicated service of masseur Corporal Chandima Gurusinghe, whose commitment and support contributed significantly to the achievement.

The Sri Lanka Air Force said the recognition reflects not only Tharanga’s individual excellence but also the collective effort of the team behind his success, describing the achievement as one that brings honour to both the Air Force and the nation. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s javelin star Rumesh Tharanga has reached the finals of the Commonwealth Games 2026 with a powerful throw of 82.84 metres in the qualification round, securing first place.

Tharanga’s performance has placed him among the top contenders for a medal, as he continues his strong season on the international stage. 

Meanwhile, fellow Sri Lankan competitor Sumedha Ranasinghe was unable to meet the qualifying mark and will not advance to the final round. (Newswire)

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The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Qatar, Sithara Khan, on Thursday (18) hosted Sri Lanka’s Javelin star Rumesh Tharanga at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha.

The meeting comes ahead of Rumesh Tharanga’s participation in the Wanda Diamond League at the Qatar Sports Club.

During the felicitation, Ambassador Khan congratulated Tharanga on his remarkable achievements this season.

She further conveyed her best wishes for his upcoming event scheduled for today (19) at 8:00 pm. 

Ambassador Khan also commended his determination and ambition to secure an Olympic medal for Sri Lanka at the 2028 Games.

The event was attended by Tharanga’s coaches and his father, along with representatives of the Sri Lanka Coordinating Committee, Sri Lanka Benevolent Fund, Sri Lanka Business and Professional Council, and Embassy staff, all of whom joined in extending their best wishes to the athlete. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s javelin throw champion Rumesh Tharanga is set to compete at the prestigious Ostrava Golden Spike athletics meet in the Czech Republic today (16), with the event scheduled to take place at 22:37 Sri Lankan time.

Tharanga’s participation comes on the heels of his remarkable performance at the Rome Diamond League, where he delivered a record‑breaking throw that boosted his global standing. 

Currently ranked third in the world, his showing in Ostrava is expected to play a decisive role in further advancing his position in the world rankings. 

Watch the event live here: https://www.youtube.com/live/MSRIBVgHoc4 (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s javelin star Rumesh Tharanga has climbed into the top five of the Men’s Javelin Throw World Rankings, marking a historic achievement for the country.

Recent outstanding performances in international competitions have propelled him two places higher, securing 5th place with an Average Performance Score of 1,287.

On Monday (01), Tharanga won silver at the Rabat Diamond League in Morocco with a throw of 85.97 metres, a feat that contributed significantly to his rise in the rankings.

Germany’s Julian Weber currently leads the global standings, with Tharanga joining the elite group of five athletes at the forefront of the sport. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s javelin star Rumesh Tharanga, who recently set a new meet record of 89.28m at the Kip Keino Classic in Kenya, met Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage on Monday (27), accompanied by his coach.

According to the Sports Ministry, Rumesh and his coach expressed their gratitude to the Minister for the financial and technical assistance provided through the “Mission Olympic” program. 

Rumesh noted that the support has been a source of strength for athletes striving for international success, including himself. 

Minister Gamage commended Rumesh’s achievements and discussed plans for upcoming tournaments. 

Recognizing his potential to win an Olympic medal for Sri Lanka, the Minister pledged full financial allocations, foreign training, and other facilities.

“Rumesh Tharanga is an athlete who has brought Olympic hope to this country. It is the responsibility of the Ministry to provide maximum support to him and his coach,” Minister Gamage stated. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga finished seventh in the men’s javelin throw final at the World Athletics Championships, marking a proud moment for the nation’s athletics program.

The 22-year-old advanced to the finals and secured his spot among the world’s best, a rare achievement for Sri Lanka in track and field. (Newswire)

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