Lance Corporal U.P Pradeep Sanjaya of 4 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (4 SLSR) joined history when he won Bronze, the first ever Medal for Sri Lanka in the London Paralympic Games - 2012 in Men’s 400 m T46 event early Wednesday (5) morning.

Lance Corporal Sanjaya became paralyzed in his left arm after he fell victim to a mortar blast, triggered by LTTE terrorists in Kilinochchi on 28th December 2008 when humanitarian operations were decisively rolling on, but his determined perseverance and intense training after recovery stimulated him to continue his participation in Para Games both in Sri Lanka and abroad.

He began to shine securing the first place in both 400m and 200m events in Army Para Games 2010. In the same Para Games, he made a new Army record in the 4 x 100 relay event clinching the first place. In the year 2011, he maintained the status quo as he did in the Army Para Games 2010. In Asian Para Games 2010, held in China, he won the first place in the 400m and took part in the 200m.

During 2012 Selection Trials for Para Olympic Games in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, he created a new Asian record by finishing the 200m in 22.98 seconds claiming the first place. In the same event, he secured the first place in 400m in 50.56 seconds.

In the recently ended Army Para Games 2012, he again emerged victorious in 400m and 200m events and secured the second place in the 4 x 100 relay event.

Lance Corporal Sanjaya’s record victory in the London Paralympic Games - 2012 creates history and reputation for both the Army and the country. Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya on hearing the news of the victory expressed his happiness. 

Sri Lanka Army as well as his own Sinha Regiment, in addition to continuous assistance, being awarded to him for training before his participation in London Paralympic Games, has made substantial financial assistance for his tour to London.

Lance Corporal Sanjaya (26) is married and has a son. He studied at Gampaha Mirigama Delwala College and lives in Divuldeniya, Mirigama.