The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has moved swiftly to replace the competition javelins damaged during transit for Sri Lankan world champion Rumesh Tharanga, with the cost to be fully covered by the government.
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage said that a new set of high-grade competition javelins will be purchased for the athlete, ensuring that the damage does not disrupt his training and preparations for upcoming international competitions.
The Minister said the government remains committed to supporting Tharanga as he prepares for the upcoming Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
“The government will continuously stand by our athletics star to ensure his Olympic dream remains on track,” Minister Gamage said.
The intervention follows Tharanga’s return to Sri Lanka after a highly successful campaign in Hungary, where he secured victories at both the World Athletics Ultimate Championship and the Diamond League Final.
Upon his arrival in Sri Lanka, all five of his specialized competition javelins were found to have been damaged inside his luggage. The javelins, which were reportedly worth more than Rs. 2 million, were among the equipment he had used in major international competitions.
The Ministry said state funds will cover the full cost of the replacement equipment so that Tharanga’s training programme can continue without interruption.
Meanwhile, the Ministry is also preparing to pursue diplomatic and legal avenues to seek compensation from the airline over the damage to the athlete’s equipment.
