Waidyatilaka for Olympics

Sampath Bandara

P. H. D. Waidyatilaka has achieved yet another first in his career as an International Technical Official. He has been invited by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to officiate as an International Technical Official at the Beijing Olympic Games 2008.

Waidyatilaka has brought honour and glory to mother Lanka yet again as an opportunity to officiate at the most prestigious sporting extravaganza of the world - The Olympic Games is indeed rare and is the ultimate ambition of over 500,000 Technical Officials spread over 213 member countries of the IAAF.

Only Sri Lankan to qualify as an International Technical Official of the IAAF, and number one in Asia Waidyatilaka achieved this honour purely on merit. The IAAF council had decided before the results of the worldwide ITO examination in 2005 that the top performers will automatically be selected for the Olympic Games. Selection of Waidyatilaka confirm that he is in the top bracket of International Technical Officials.

In a similar situation after the first ever ITO examination held in 2001 the top ITOs were selected for the World Championship in Paris 2003.

Waidyatilaka not only had the privilege of officiating at the world championship 2003 but hit worldwide headlines when he disqualified the favourite in the 100 m sprint, Jon Drummond of USA.

The episode caught the eye of the entire sporting world and Waidyatilaka was commended by the IAAF officials for his decision.

As an International Technical Official, Waidyatilaka has officiated in all major World Athletic Championships.

Waidyatilaka is also a member of the Stadia Committee of the World Body of Masters Athletics and Chairman of Asian Masters Technical Committee.

Waidyatilaka had the rare privilege of officiating as an ITO at three consecutive World Masters Championships.

A Senior Vice President of the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka, he is also the Chairman Technical Committee, President Technical Officials Association and President of Sri Lanka Masters Athletics.