Dialog Axiata congratulates the historic win for Sri Lanka sports

• Marks the first world record for Sri Lanka in a track and field event

The official sponsor of the National Paralympic team for over two decades, Dialog Axiata PLC, congratulated the extraordinary achievement accomplished by Gold medallist and new Javelin F46 world recordholder Dinesh Priyantha Herath and Bronze medallist Samitha Dulan Kodithuwakku for their unparalleled achievements at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Dinesh Priyantha Herath made history in the morning hours of Monday, when he secured Sri Lanka’s first ever Gold at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, while his team mate Samitha Dulan Kodithuwakku, a short while later secured Bronze on a personal best distance of 65.61 m in the F64 javelin event. 

Dinesh Priyantha Herath, who is also the captain of the nine-member Sri Lankan contingent entered the game’s record books by establishing a new world record throw of 67.79 m in the men’s javelin F46 event.  

Commenting on his record-breaking win, Dinesh Priyantha Herath said: “My main target was to set a new world record and win a gold medal for my country. It took years of dedication and I am extremely happy to have achieved these accomplishments. Following the injuries I suffered in 2008 while serving my country, it took four years of rehabilitation, after which I started Javelin in 2012. I would like to thank my family, my team, and everyone who supported me on my journey towards this victory.”

Speaking on this momentous occasion, Youth and Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa said: “It was a defining moment for our nation when the Sri Lankan national anthem echoed across the arena as Dinesh Herath won this historic Gold for our country. We are incredibly proud of his achievement. I would also like to commend the National Paralympics Committee for enabling these athletes to achieve greatness at a global platform, their commitment and dedication to the program has been exceptional. 

“Combined with the efforts of the Department of Sports Development, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council’s high-performance program the Paralympic committee has set the bar for all other sporting bodies in Sri Lanka. I would also like to thank Dialog Axiata for their unwavering support towards the National Paralympic team for over two decades and for showing us all how empowering sports can truly transform lives.”

National Paralympic Committee President Col. Deepal Herath said: “We are incredibly proud of Dinesh Herath for making Sri Lanka continuously proud over the years and Samitha Kodithuwakku for his personal best throw at the 2020 Tokyo Para Games. 

“It is a testament to the contingent working as one team to achieve this Herculean goal. We are immensely thankful to Dialog for their unwavering support extended since the year 2000, believing in our athletes and empowering their unparalleled achievements through the years.”

Sri Lanka contingent Chef de Mission Maj. Gen. J.R. Ampemohotti said: “Sri Lankan paralympians have performed admirably and have brought glory to their country by winning consecutive medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. Despite restrictions to training due to the COVID-19 pandemic the team has worked hard to do what it takes to climb the podium and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.” 

Commenting on this milestone achievement, Dialog Axiata Group Chief Executive Supun Weerasinghe said: “The historic win by Dinesh and Samitha is a testament to all Sri Lankans on what can be achieved with dedication, perseverance and discipline. Dialog Axiata is proud to have been part of this historic journey with the National Paralympic Committee and Army Para Games for the last two decades. We remain committed to nurturing Sri Lanka’s Champions of Tomorrow to reach the pinnacle and bring glory to our motherland.”