The Sri Lankan contingent which were runners-up at the 2025 South Asian Athletics Championship held in Ranchi, India, were accorded a red carpet welcome for their achievement with the Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage and several ministry officials to welcome them at the Bandaranaike International Airport on Tuesday morning.
The Lankan contingent won a record 40 medals including 16 gold, 14 silver and 10 bronze with Rumesh Tharanga emerging the Best Athlete and Shafiya Yanick the Star Performer winning 3 golds in the women’s 100m, 200m and 100m relay.
The Sports Minister was quick to voice praise to the athletes in appreciating their efforts.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister, Sugath Tullakaratne, a top national athlete during his hey day, tweeted on social media, “Our sincere respect and congratulations to the talented athletes who brought great honour to the nation!.”