-By Sampath Dillemuni
(Lanka-e-News -24.Nov.2024,11.50 pm) In the 2024 British Open Powerlifting Championship, Sri Lanka's talented athlete Surain Perera clinched the gold medal for the third time. Competing in the 59kg weight class in Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift events, Surain lifted a total of 507.5kg to secure victory. This remarkable achievement reflects his exceptional physical strength and determination.
Surain previously earned international recognition for Sri Lanka by winning the gold medal at the 2021 Asian Powerlifting Championship in Turkey. However, the lack of support from Sri Lanka’s sports authorities and government facilities made it difficult for him to continue his athletic journey in his home country.
Amidst the challenges of an underappreciated sport and unhelpful officials in Sri Lanka, Surain migrated to the UK to pursue his dreams in powerlifting. He demonstrated his talents by defeating the reigning British national powerlifting champion and eventually joining the British national team. Unlike in Sri Lanka, UK sports officials provided unwavering support, helping him reach greater heights.
Today, Surain holds titles such as British Bench Champion, England National Champion, and British National Champion, solidifying his prominence in British powerlifting.
While celebrating Surain’s success, it is equally important to investigate why Sri Lanka failed to provide the necessary support to such an exceptional athlete. The government and the Ministry of Sports must ensure that athletes like Surain receive adequate facilities to represent the nation internationally.
Surain’s achievements underscore the need for a systematic approach to support Sri Lankan athletes abroad. Although he still holds Sri Lankan citizenship and dreams of competing under the Sri Lankan flag, logistical challenges like visa issues have hindered his participation in international competitions.
Recently, Surain was unable to attend an international powerlifting event in the US because of delays in securing a visa. Despite requests from the International Powerlifting Federation, he couldn’t schedule a visa appointment before the competition date.
Sri Lanka’s High Commission in the UK should provide diplomatic assistance to athletes like Surain in such situations. Unfortunately, there are doubts about whether the High Commission has the competence or willingness to act in such cases.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Sports must appoint capable diplomats, including an efficient Deputy High Commissioner and High Commissioner, who can represent Sri Lanka’s interests effectively. Such appointments are essential not only for the Sri Lankan diaspora in the UK but also for supporting exceptional talents like Surain Perera, who bring honor to Sri Lanka’s sporting history.
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by (2024-11-25 21:32:53)
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