Ushan Thiwanka Perera, a USA based High Jumper who holds the South Asian record, has opted out of the Commonwealth Games. This decision is said to be mainly influenced by his coach due to the lack of funds from Sri Lanka Athletics to participate in higher graded competitions.
The High Jumper took part in NCAA Division 2 competitions representing Texas A&M University and was the national champion on a number of occasions. He recorded a best jump of 2.30m last year (South Asian record) and renewed the indoor high jump record this year of 2.27m, a new Sri Lanka record.
However, he was unable to compete in higher graded competitions, such as the World Continental Tour Bronze Level competitions where we saw a few of the Sri Lankan athletes compete in Switzerland. This was mainly due to funds not allocated at the right time and missed out on a golden opportunity to take part in the World Athletics Championships to be held in Oregon as he fell out of the World Ranking Quota.
Speaking to Ushan, he stated this decision came mainly from his coach, who was not satisfied with Sri Lanka Athletics for their delayed responses and were not supportive with funds at the right time to let Ushan take part in more competitions, like the other Sri Lankan athletes.
At present, Ushan’s seasonal best is in joint 3rd place among the Commonwealth countries and was in hot contention for a medal. This raises a question on whether Ushan’s achievements were overlooked and whether the current foreign exchange crisis forced the authorities to only fund a limited number of athletes.
Whatever the reasons for not being funded, it is clear that Ushan deserved to participate in at least one as he is the best high jumper in this region. He stood a very good chance in representing Sri Lanka at the World Athletics Championship as well, had he taken part in at least another competition in Boston and New York.
Incidentally. he is the second athlete to not take part, following the dropping of Marathon runner Hiruni Wijerathne and her manager. The initial contingent of 8 has dropped down to 6 athletes (3 each for male and female).
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