Tharushi Karunaratne (third from left) and his coach Susantha Fernando (fourth from left) at felicitation ceremony in Kandy. Also in the picture; Athula Jayawardena the Sports Director of Central Province Education Department, Principal Walala Central Dhammika Herath and Kandy Municipal Council Assistant Commissioner Prabath Maddumarachchi. (Picture by Dhammika Ratnaweera)
The promising athlete Tharushi Karunaratne from Walala Central and her coach Susantha Fernando were felicitated by Central Province Education Department in Kandy town at a simple ceremony.
The event was organized by Central Province Education Department Sports Director Athula Jayawardena and his team while students of Walala Central, its Principal Dhammika Herath, Staff members and Kandy Municipal Council Assistant Commissioner Prabath Maddumarachchi were present while Tharushi Karunaratne’s parents also graced the occasion.
Athula Jayawardena the Sports Director of Central Province Education Department said Central Province Chief Minister’s fund gave cash awards to young athlete Tharushi Karunaratne who won 800 m gold medal and 4x 400 m women’s relay and mixed relay gold medals at recently concluded Asian Athletic championship in Bangkok.
We have to support this athlete as she has good talent she has lot of difficulties that’s why we always encourage this athlete said Athula Jayawardena.
Susantha Fernando the head coach was also felicitated at this event. We know coach is the main character to produce this type of athlete and Susantha Fernando always gives his full commitment to young athetes. We really appreciate his work said Athula Tharushi Karunaratne is focused on next Asian Games and is a medal prospect and already started training for Asian Games said coach Susantha.
We had to pay money for Digana grounds earlier while also pay for its Gymnasium. However from last week we can use it free of charge and that is good for Tharushi said head coach Susantha .Walala Central already won 96 All Island championships so far within a short period. Already 73 Walala athletes have represented the Sri Lanka team said Susantha Already our athletes won 67 International medals. We had four National record holders under Walala Central name.
Dilshi Kumarasinghe the 800m champion who set up 800m record before Tharushi and Indunil Herath the former 800m champion also from Walala Central.
Walala Central celebrated their 28th anniversary has already produced highest number of National junior and senior athletes but haven’t proper ground for training said head coach Fernando.
Dhammika Ratnaweera reporting from Kandy