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The group photo of the award winners
Most Outstanding Schools Cricketer of the Year Dunith Wellalage receiving his award from SportUnleash Chairman Talavou Alailima
Most Outstanding Schools Field Events Athlete of the Year Ashmika Keshan Korala receiving his award from Education Minister
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| Chief Guest Education Minister Susil Premajayantha |
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| SportUnleash Chairman Talavou Alailima addressing the event
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It was an unforgettable night for 15 of the most outstanding sportspersons in 15 sports and the athletes of three outstanding sports performances for 2022. The SportUnleash School Sports Awards 2022, sponsored by
SportUnleash, the organisation which scientifically identifies the sports talent of children between the ages of 9 and 11, and organised by SportsInfo, was an event that made a profound impact on the landscape of the sports arena of Sri Lanka.
Making its debut as the first-ever annual national schools sports award ceremony in Sri Lanka, the event was held at the BMICH on Monday, 23 January 2023. This brainchild of SportsInfo Chairman Thilan Rangana, backed by the former National Record holder, SportUnleash Chairman and Power World Gyms Founder Talavou Alailima is the explosive partnership that brought to life this Sports Awards, which without a doubt will be a prized event for champion athletes each year.
The chief guest of the event was the Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha who highlighted the timely need for a change in the country’s education system, stressing that it is paramount that a child’s education and sports should go hand in hand to build a healthier and more productive nation. The former Minister and present Parliament member Eran Wickramaratne was the guest of honour for the event. Many heads of Sports Associations, principles of leading schools, sponsors of sports, and captains of business were also present.
“If we plan to impact the world in sports, then we must identify the sports talent of our children at an early age and support them throughout their school sports journey. These winners were the best of the best in 2022, and their sports talent has been proven for years; their resolve, determination, passion, and grit have been tested by fire to be the best in their sport for 2022. There is absolutely no doubt that these are the athletes who will bring honour to Sri Lanka in the next 10 years. If there are athletes that a sponsor should back, it is these winners, as their investment will provide the best return for their brand and organisation,” added Talavou Alailima. Thilan Ranga of SportsInfo said that: “For years, we have seen only a couple of sports recognising their best athletes. However, I believe that if Sri Lankan sports is to achieve its potential, we must honour the performance of all school sports, as they are the cradle of our future National sports performances. Today we have achieved that vital milestone, and we will strive each year to make this event a special day for our future national champions so that they will never give up their sport but keep driving themselves to achieve their very best for Sri Lanka.”
For 2022, the following athletes were awarded the Most Outstanding Award.
The Jury Medals for Sports Excellence, headed by Co-Chairman Dr. Harsha Abeykoon and Rear Admiral Shemal Fernando, were awarded to Danindu Chirath Sellepperuma of Ananda College and Vishmi Gunaratne of Rathnawali Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha for their noteworthy performance in cricket for 2022, and to Tharushi Karunarathne of A. Ratnayake MMV, Walala in Athletics.
