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01st September 2021 22:02:31 Hours

Maha Sangha & Sri Lanka's Ambassador for Japan Extend Warm Reception to Paralympics Medalists

The Paralympics 2020 Gold Medalist, Warrant Officer 1, Dinesh Priyantha Herath of Gajaba Regiment and the Bronze Medal winner, Corporal Dulan Kodithuwakku of the Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police who made history winning medals for Sri Lanka were greeted to a warm welcome by members of the Maha Sangha, led by Ven Dr Banagala Upatissa Nayake Thero, Chief Sangha Nayake for Japan and Sri Lanka's Ambassador for Japan Mr Sanjeew Gunasekera when the duo was invited to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan on Tuesday (31).

Members of the Maha Sangha after embassy officials warmly welcomed both of them chanted 'Seth Pirith' to invoke religious blessings and commended both of them over their historic achievements in a special 'Anushasana' (oration) delivered to the occasion by Ven Dr Banagala Upatissa Nayake Thera. Afterwards, the Ambassador for Sri Lanka awarded special mementos to both Sri Lankan achievers in Javelin Throwing, along with certificates of excellence and commendation.

Just a few hours after both made the country and the Army proud, General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army congratulated both of them separately for honouring assurances. On the eve of their departure to Tokyo, the team called on General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army at the Army HQ during which the Army Chief insisted that Sergeant Herath should bring a medal to the motherland. Sergeant Dinesh Priyantha in return assured to General Shavendra Silva that he would definitely bring a Medal.

Sergeant Dinesh Priyantha Herath was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer 1 by the Army Chief in less than two hours of his world record with the approval of HE the President and the Ministry of Defence on Monday (30) itself. General Shavendra Silva was one among the firsts to congratulate both of them.

Enlisted to the Army on 18 March 2004 as a recruit, Warrant Officer 1 Dinesh Priyantha Herath completed basic military training at Gajaba Regiment Regimental HQ at Saliyapura and joined the fight against LTTE terrorism. After his injuries in Kilinochchi on 16 December 2008 due to enemy fire, he underwent training and actively took part in Army-organized Para Athletic training events at the GR Regimental HQ.

In 2012, he won Gold in Javelin Throw (52 m) in the Army Para Athletic Meet, Gold in Malaysia’s Para Athletic Meet (52.95 m) in 2012, Bronze in Paralympics 2016 in Rio, Silver in Germany’s Para Athletic (Qualifying) Meet (53.09m) in 2017, Silver in World Para Athletic Meet-2017 in London recording 59.90 m, Gold in Asian Para Games in 2018 with a new record of 61.84 m and the Silver Medal in World Para Athletics Championship in 2019 with 60.59m in Javelin Throw.

The Bronze medalist, Corporal Dulan Kodithuwakku has earlier participated in Asian Para Games in Indonesia 2018, World Para Games 2019 in Dubai and National Para Games.He joined the Sri Lanka Army on 5th December 2009 and is a native of Deniyaya.

(Photo courtesy: bizreport.lk)