Colombo, Friday: Susanthika Jayasinghe, the trailblazing Olympic medalist from the 2000 Sydney Olympics, graced the felicitation ceremony organized by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for the 2023 Asian Games medal winners. The event took place at the SLC Headquarters in Colombo on Friday.
Reflecting on her illustrious career, Jayasinghe, who secured the 100m women’s Olympic silver medal 23 years ago, shared her sentiments on the achievements during her era. Notably, she clinched a gold medal in the 2002 Asian Games and earned silver and bronze in 1994 and 2006.
“During our time, we brought maximum victories for the country, earning immense honor. When comparing those generations, Tharushis are lucky,” remarked Jayasinghe, acknowledging the advancements in sports opportunities for current athletes.
Expressing gratitude, Jayasinghe thanked SLC President Shammi Silva on behalf of the entire nation and athletes. She lauded the meritorious deeds of the organization and acknowledged the transformative role played by administrators like President Silva in the country’s sports development.
Sri Lanka Cricket, recognizing Susanthika’s contribution, offered her a job, a gesture she deeply appreciated. “Today, with my two children and parents, I bless every meal I eat because you are the one who made the greatest felicitation to my achievements. I feel great honor today about myself. These administrators are today’s need for our country’s sport development. This is a good example, good guidance, good memorize for everybody in terms of progress in sports,” Jayasinghe expressed.
She took a moment to commend coaches Susantha Fernando and Pradeep Nishantha, recognizing their dedication surpassing even that of the athletes. Jayasinghe emphasized the significance of felicitating coaches, acknowledging the great merit in such a deed by SLC President Shammi Silva. She expressed pride in the overall progress of sports under Silva’s leadership.
Encouraging the rewarded athletes to surpass her achievements, Jayasinghe urged them to aim for an Olympic gold medal. She viewed the occasion as a source of strength for their future endeavors.
“In my life, I faced numerous challenges, but I won. With your management’s thinking capacity, far-sighted mindset, and a relaxed approach, with love and blessings from everybody, we can brighten the future of this sport. You can serve a lot to Sri Lankan sport. Our sport needs your service,” concluded Susanthika Jayasinghe, offering a heartfelt blessing to SLC President Shammi Silva in her thanking speech.
