Araliya Group Chairman Dudley Sirisena has pledged to supply Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga with world-class javelins almost every year until he wins an Olympic gold medal for Sri Lanka.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Sirisena said he had spoken with Tharanga’s coach, Tony Prasanna, and agreed to provide the athlete with the equipment, in addition to the javelin already supplied by the Government through the intervention of the Sports Minister.
Sirisena said neither he nor Araliya would seek sponsorship branding or any other form of commercial benefit in return for the support.
He described Tharanga as one of the brightest stars to emerge in Sri Lankan athletics in recent years and said local entrepreneurs had a responsibility to help nurture talented athletes and support their development on the international stage.
Sirisena said his commitment would continue until Tharanga’s ambition of winning an Olympic gold medal for Sri Lanka becomes a reality.
‘Until the dream of an Olympic gold medal becomes a reality, we, as a nation, must stand by Rumesh and ensure he is fully supported,’ he said.