Impact of sports to society is immensely important – Mahanama

By Dhammika Ratnaweera

Speaking at an event held at the National Olympic Committee headquarters in Colombo to commemorate the International Olympic Day on June 23  Roshan Mahanama emphasised the role of sports in society and its importance to a country for its development and for recognition in the world. “The impact of sports to the society cannot be ignored as it is a fact that some of the country’s known in the world for their sporting achievements” Mahanama said.

He also said that sports should not be taken for granted. “We have a responsibility to develop sports and take it across the country for the future generations. That is our duty.” he elaborated.

He further mourned that it was unfortunated that some people who are directly connected to politics in Sri Lanka has taken sports for a joke.

Olympic silver medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe explained the hardships that she went through on her way to success in achieving an Olympic medal. “I used to go through lot of hard work to bring an Olympic medal as a lady. I always maintained  high level of determination and my dedication was very high to reach my goal.” she said adding that she was always focused on her vision.

At a time when the entire sporting world is at a virtual halt due to Coronavirus Pandemic, Sri Lanka has found a way of keeping up the momentum – a true Olympic Day Celebrations was held  at NOC Sri Lanka headquarters  on 23rd June. This  event  was more significant as the organisers made all possible arrangements to launch an environmental friendly programme. Planting a ‘Mee’ tree (Madhuca longifolia), a tree that provides oxygen to the atmosphere, under the theme of ‘Plant a tree for a new lease of life’ set a good example to the society.

The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akira Sugiyama was the chief guest at this occasion, while Olympic medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe, former cricket captain Roshan Mahanama, former Sri Lanka rugby player and athlete Summa Navaratnam, President of the NOCSL Suresh Subramaniam and Secretary General Maxwell de Silva  and  Sports Ministry Secretary K.D.S Ruwanchandra were present as special i nvitees on this ceremony.