By: Nalin Jayetileke 
Dialog Axiata PLC, powered the 9-member strong contingent to Tokyo.
Hours after Sri Lank made sporting history with Dinesh Herath taking the Gold Medal in the Javelin Through F64 category at the Tokyo Paralympics, Dulan Kudithiwakku went on to win the Bronze for the same event and it become a norther first, winning double medals in the same event in an Olympics games.
Kodithuwakku’s throw was measured at a personal best of 65.61. whilst the Gold medalist Dinesh Herath threw a massive of 67.79 meters to win Gold and to create a new would record.
Dinesh Herath after wining the Historic Gold for Sri Lanka
The category competed was the F64 where those who fall under category T61-64 are defined to have impairments in “lower limb/s competing with prosthesis affected by limb deficiency and leg length difference”, according Paralympic committee.
Whilst Dinesh Herath had been wounded in battle being in he Sri Lanka Army, Kodithuwakku had been in a car accident.
Former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain and Cricketing star Mehela Jayawardena said in a message “Amazing day for Sri Lanka as we win another medal. Samaitha Dulan Kodithuwakku wins the Bronze Medal in the Men’s Javelin throw F64, the second medal for Sri Lanka at The Tokyo Paralympics .. we will celebrate with you. Well done Dulan !” the Cricketing legend said.
Dulan Kodithuwakku after winning he Bronze medal
The F46 category or T45-47, in which Dinesh Priyantha Herath competed, covers “upper limb/s affected by limb deficiency, impaired muscle power or impaired passive range of movement”.
Commenting on winning the Gold medal, Dinesh Herath said, “I am honored to have represented my country at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and bring this victory home. I am incredibly thankful to everyone who supported me on my journey, including Minister of Youth & Sports Namal Rajapaksa, Sports Ministry, my team, the National Paralympics Committee and our sponsor Dialog, for enabling this path towards victory for me and my team since the year 2000”.
Congratulating on the achievement by Dinesh , the Sri Lankan Cricketing Great Kuma Sangakkara said” I would like to Congratulate our very own Dinesh Priyantha Herath for his historic Gold medal he brought to our country where you have brought immense pride to our country , you have surmounted enumerable challenges in your life , now the top of the world and you have truly inspired all of us in Sri Lanka and so many around the world . Thank you! we owe you a great deal of gratitude and thank everyone who supported you, your family your friends and all the corporates, specially “Dialog” in Sri Lanka for their support and help as they support so many sectors in our country, Thank you and well done” .. a very touchy and inspiring messages by our very own legendry cricketing greats who have a lot of respect and acceptance around the world.
Dialog Axiata is the proud sponsor of Sri Lanka’s National Cricket, Rugby, Volleyball and Netball teams. The Company also has a close association with the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior Netball tourneys, Club Rugby, Schools Rugby, Premier Football, Schools’ Cricket, Junior Volleyball and Paralympic sports.
The Sunday reader.lk news team congratulated s Dinesh Hearth for his historic achievement and the Bronze medal winner I the same event Dulan Kodithuwakku.. for their achievements, which had the Sri Lankan National Anthem echoing in the stadium, an emotional moment for many Sri Lankans in the stadium and even being here in Sri Lanka and around the world. We also would like to congratulate the main Sponsor “Dialog Axiata” as they have been the tower of strength being the sponsor for the Army Para Games, National Para Games and the Sri Lanka contingent to the World Paralympic Games. A leading Company which has supported all such sports in Sri Lanka and have been instrumental in bring glory to our country.
So far Sri Lanka has won four medals in the Paralympics games since 2012 London Olympics; namely, three Bronze and One Gold Medal as of today. (/Aug30/2021)
