Janashakthi launches 7th consecutive Rural Athletics Sponsorship program

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Rumeshika finishing her event at her best personal performance in 11.56 seconds

Front row from left: General Insurance General Manager Shani Ranasinghe, Director/CEO Jude Fernando, Sri Lanka Athletics Association President Sugath Thilakaratne, Athletics Association Secretary Sunimal Rupasinghe and COO Dayalanie Abeygunawardena with the sponsored athletes at the event

promising athletes in various fields 

Affirming its commitment towards empowering Sri Lanka’s rural youth, Janashakthi Insurance launched its Rural Athletic Sponsorship program for the seventh consecutive year. 

This year, 17-year-old D. Yamani Dulanjalee from Ambagamuwa Central College was introduced into the program, for her outstanding performance in the 400 metre and the 400 metre hurdles event.

 The young athletes are handpicked by Janashakthi Insurance based on their potential from numerous applications received and from Janashakthi’s own system of scouting for outstanding rural talent. 

The Guest of Honour at the event was Athletics Association President Sugath Thilakaratne, who gave an inspiring speech about the hard work and training he had put in to become an outstanding athlete. Speaking further, he thanked Janashakthi for their outstanding work in supporting promising athletes. Athletics Association Secretary Sunimal Rupasinghe was also present. The sponsorship includes a monthly payment as well as an incentive scheme to recognise outstanding performance. The athletes also receive financial support in the event that they are selected to represent Sri Lanka overseas. Moving beyond financial sponsorship, Janashakthi Insurance provides athletes with technical guidance and motivational programs as well.  Janashakthi also offers athletes the opportunity to become full time employees, continuing to sponsor them while they pursue their sports careers. 

At present, there are seven student athletes who receive sponsorship under the program, as well as five in the employee category. Two young tennis players also received sponsorship under the scheme. 

The athletes all shone in their categories over the past year, with several excelling at local and several international level championships. Harshini Wathsala from Sumana Balika Vidyalaya shone at the Junior National Championships, winning 1st place at the 100 metre hurdles and 2nd place at the 400 metre hurdle event. 

17-year-old Akila Ravishanka from Seevali Central College – Ratnapura came in first place at the Sir John Tarbat Senior Championships for both the 100 metre and the 110 metre hurdles event, setting a New Meet Record. He also came in first place for the All Island School Games. Most recently, he won a Gold Medal at the Junior National Championships in the 110 metre hurdle event, completing the circuit in just 14.4 seconds.

“This is the third year of my sponsorship with Janashakthi. Thank you so much for the financial support afforded me which has helped me to reach my goals,” Akila said at the event.  “Sri Lanka is full of potential in the field of athletics as is shown by the excellent performances over the last year. Janashakthi wants to uplift the youth that show promise and give them the tools to help them reach their fullest potential. In doing so, we hope to help the country gain international recognition as well,” said Chief Operating Officer Dayalanie Abeygunawardena, speaking at the event.