The photograph of Duncan White being warmly welcomed by dignitaries on his arrival from London Olympics (1948), medals won be marathon runner Wimalasena Perera, a bronze plaque portraying legendary long distance runner S.L.B. Rosa are among the attractions at the ongoing exhibition displaying Sri Lanka Army’s contribution to country’s track and field success.The three-day exhibition is held parallel to the ongoing 50th edition of the Sri Lanka Army Athletics Championship at the Sugathadasa Stadium premises. A temporary shelter put up adjacent to the outdoor basketball court of the Stadium houses the open exhibition.
Rare action pictures and portraits of Sri Lanka Army athletes who made the country proud at international events, medals won by some of them at Asian ,South Asian and at other international events are displayed according to chronological order.
At least two LED TV screens display video clips of some cherished moments of country’s athletics history, varying from Olympic medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe’s triumphant moments at international level to Karunananda’s ambitious run at the Tokyo Olympics to javelin thrower Nadeeka Lakmali’s impressive hurls at the recently held IAAF World Championships.
Probably the first of its kind, the exhibition provides a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to reflect on glorious moments of country’s athletics history and can inspire young people to take up the sport. Largely dedicated to athletes produced by Sri Lanka Army it showcases the huge contribution the Army has made to country’s athletics.
Exhibitions of this kind has the ability to enrich sports culture and the idea of an exhibition displaying country’s athletics history was discussed at a certain Executive Committee meeting of the Sri Lanka Athletics Association last year when the institution was under the presidency of current Army Commander Daya Ratnayake. However, the circumstances which led to his premature exit from the athletics governing body knocked the day light out of the inspiring project.
With Ratnayake at the helm of Sri Lanka Army it is heartening to note that at least an exhibition displaying the history of Sri Lanka Army athletics has seen the light of day. (Courtesy: The Island)
