Asian Games Silver medallist Sugath Tillekaratne has become the first Olympian athlete to gain a Seat in Parliament nominated on the National List of the National People’s Power (NPP) which gained a sweeping victory at last week’s election and pledged to work for the welfare of all sports associations.
Tillekaratne won the gold medal in men’s 400 metres at the Asian Games held in Thailand in 1998 and a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games held in Malaysia.
Tillekeratne also won the gold medal in the 400m event at the 1998 Fukuoka Asian Athletics Championship held in Japan completing the race in 44.61 seconds. This feat accomplished by him remains unbeaten.
He took his oaths this week and pledged to work towards the welfare of athletes.
“We have to talk to all the National Sports Associations and discuss their problems and see how we can take this forward that will benefit the country and all sportsmen and sportswomen”, said Tillekaratne who is now deputy Sports Minister
(TBR)
