Sahabandu, a son of Matara, is an old boy of Rahula College Matara and a champion middle distance runner who established a new Sri Lanka record for the 800 m event in 1974 and represented Sri Lanka at many international meets in his time.
Sahabandu was a distinguished member of the Sri Lankan team that clinched the gold medal in the men’s 4x400 meters relay at the 1974 Asian Games held in Tehran. His contribution to that historic victory remains one of the proudest moments in Sri Lanka’s athletics history.
He also represented Sri Lanka at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow and competed in the 4x400 meters relay at the 1982 Asian Games. In addition to his relay achievements, Sahabandu set a national record in the 800 meters event in 1974, further cementing his legacy in Sri Lankan athletics.
In 1979, he represented the country at the Asian Athletics Championships held in Tokyo, continuing to demonstrate his dedication and excellence on the international stage.
His remains will lie in state from 3:00 p.m. tomorrow (15) at a private funeral parlour in Boralesgamuwa. The final rites are scheduled to take place on Monday.
Kosala Sahabandu’s passing marks the end of an era in Sri Lankan athletics, and he will be remembered for his outstanding contributions to the sport and to the nation.
