The Ministry of Sports hosted an event of appreciation for the 6 athletes who performed well at the South Asian Games in Nepal last year, while also sitting for their O’ level examinations.

The six female athletes who excelled at the South Asian Games also sat their Ordinary Level examinations in Nepal itself.

The felicitation was held today (10) at the Sports Ministry’s Duncan White Auditorium where the Minister of Sports and Education Dullas Alahapperuma presided over the ceremony.

Director General, Department of Sports Development in the Sports Ministry, Mr. K. Ruwanchandra addressed the gathering and commenced the day’s proceedings.

“Today, we have organized an event to celebrate the efforts of these girls, who have overcome two hurdles and brought fame to the country. These six athletes have proved that nothing is impossible.

We thank the Department of Examinations and the Department of Sports Development for giving these athletes the opportunity to sit for the examination while attending the games” he said.

Subsequently a video clip of the achievements of the athletes at the South Asian Games was presented to the attendees of the event.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs and Education Dullas Alahapperuma stated that the event was organized to provide an example to the entire society on the importance of the balance between sports and education.

“We are grateful to the parents of the athletes for encouraging the children to continue balancing both sports and education without resorting to solely focusing on the examinations of children. We also thank the other athletes who have brought these two balances together and delivered a message to the entire society. It was decided to hold this event to pay a small tribute. Get your Olympics medal you dreamed of in sports. That is our wish and request.” He stated.

Subsequently the Minister presented letters of appreciation and cash prizes to the six athletes, Chathuni Bhagya Karunaratne and Chamodi Karunaratne of Princess of Wales Moratuwa, Yehani Kuruppu and Ganga Seneviratne of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo, Ayala Chitty and Alana Seneviratne of Ladies’ College, Colombo.

After the appreciation and recognition of the athletes, letters of appreciation were presented to the officers of the Sri Lanka Examinations Department and the Sports Development Department who helped them achieve their goals.

Following the appreciation, the evaluation committee concluded with the official launch of the committee’s review report on the South Asian Games.

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