SLA a symbol of excellence in track and field – Namal Rajapaksa

Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa unveiling the specially designed SLA Centenary logo in the presence of SLA President Major General (Ret) Palitha Fernando and SLA Vice-Presidents Ajith Naragala and Lal Chandrakumara 

By Susil Premalal

Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa commended Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) for their contribution towards helping the athletes to win international medals at every major track and field meet over the years.  

The Minister made these observations during a special ceremony held in Colombo yesterday, to launch the SLA Centenary logo.  

SLA will celebrate 100 years of excellence having been recognised by the international governing body since January 22, 1922.  

The Minister further added that the achievements of SLA and the Sri Lankan athletes cannot be matched by any other sports association having won nearly 1,500 medals at Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Athletics Championships, Asian Games, South Asian Games and many other international events.  
The Minister also stressed that over 60 athletes who have the potential of winning medals have been contracted through the High-Performance Agreement on a long-term basis following the recommendations from the Department of Sports Development and the National Sports Council.  

Meanwhile, President SLA Major General (Ret) Palitha Fernando said that they have already launched a series of development programmes in 2022 targeting the Centenary celebrations in January.