The commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, felicitated the SLAF athletes who medals at the 4th South Asian Athletics Championships, held in Ranchi, India, from 24 to 26 October 2025. The felicitation ceremony was held at Air Force Headquarters on Monday.

‎A total of 59 athletes represented Sri Lanka at the championships, including nine outstanding athletes from the SLAF. Demonstrating exceptional talent and determination, the Air Force contingent made a significant contribution to the nation’s success by winning two gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal.

Rumesh Tharanga who set a new meet record being
presented with an award.

‎During the occasion, the Commander presented cash rewards to all the athletes in recognition of their commendable achievements and exemplary sportsmanship displayed throughout the championship. He also promoted the six medal-winning athletes to the rank of Acting Corporal in appreciation of their outstanding performances. The commander congratulated the athletes for their dedication, perseverance and remarkable achievements, emphasizing that their success not only brought pride to the SLAF but also great honour to the nation.

‎The six medal-winning athletes who were promoted to the rank of Acting Corporal are Aircraftman Rumesh Tharanga, who won the gold in javelin throw while setting a new meet record and was also adjudged the ‘Best Athlete of the Meet’, Leading Aircraftwoman Dasuni Kaushalya, who secured a gold in the 400m hurdles with a new meet record, Leading Aircraftman Kumara UDYW, who earned a silver in the long jump, Aircraftman Sathsarani LGA, who claimed a silver in the 400m hurdles, Aircraftman Fernando MANH, who won a silver in the 4x400m relay and Leading Aircraftwoman Lakmali AGVV, who achieved a bronze in the discus throw event.

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Dasuni Kaushalya receiving her award for her outstanding
meet record performance.

In addition, Aircraftman Korala AK, who placed fourth in the triple jump, Leading Aircraftwoman Kumari KGNMA, who placed fourth in the 1500m event and Leading Aircraftwoman Silva HKTD, who participated as the standby athlete in the 4x100m relay, were also recognized for their commendable participation and contribution to the championships.

‎The commander of the Air Force also extended his appreciation to the dedicated coaches who played an integral role in guiding the athletes to achieve these remarkable results. Six coaches were presented with cash rewards by the commander in recognition of their commitment and contribution towards the athletes’ success. The coaches who contributed to this achievement are MAT Prasanna, RMAP Rathnayaka, DCA Dahanayaka, Rohitha Gunarathne, KA Ravindu Theekshana, JMDN Herjinas and Luis Miranda Ramirez.