Prasanna felicitated on retirement

Athletics super star Prasanna Amarasekara who brought honour to Sri Lanka by winning 50 international medals during his career announced his retirement from competitive sports yesterday at the National Institute of Sports Science, Colombo.

He was felicitated at a farewell ceremony organized by the Sports Ministry with the participation of Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage where Prasanna was awarded two million rupees as a gift from the Sports Development Fund, Sri Lanka Athletic Association and SL Army.

Prasanna represented Sri Lanka Army and won 18 gold, 22 silver and 10 bronze medals at international meets. His international gold medal tally included three Asian Athletic Championships, ten Asian Grand Prix and two South Asian Athletic Championship medals.

Prasanna's remarkable achievement exceeded Olympic qualifying standard in 400 meters in 2005. He clocked his best time of 45.47 seconds at the 2005 National Athletics Championship which booked him the top slot in Asian rankings while making him 25th in world ranking.

Prasanna has been an iconic athlete in Army sports history who has established several outstanding records in track events.

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage commended Prasanna's star studded career and invited him to render his services to motherland as a coach.

Minister was of the view that Prasanna's experience and talent must serve Sri Lanka in moulding young athletes into champions.

Prasanna's first athletic coach K H P Jayathissa, his national coach Sunil Gunawardane, Sports Development Department Director General Ranjani Jayakody, Sri Lanka Athletic Association President Maj. Gen. Daya Ratnayake, Sports Ministry Secretary Anura Jayawickrama and senior officials of AL Army also participated at the ceremony.