Wimalasena Perera received his medical supports from the officials from PSJASL Nuwan Karunarathne(Committee member) Chathuka Divashana(Secretary), Namal Pathirage(vice president) and Karuppiah Ramakrishnan(President)

COLOMBO, May 24, 2020 - Once again 'A Quint Ondaatje Foundation' director/goodwill ambassador, Anna-Marie Ondaatje, Sri Lanka's international rhythmic gymnast has joined hands with professional Sports Journalists Association of Sri Lanka (PSJASL) to give back to their community, by helping to provide funds for legendary marathon runner, Wimalasena Perera.

The PSJASL coordinated with 'A Quint Ondaatje Foundation' to fund Perera’s nutrition and rehabilitation needs for six months with a follow up. 

Director/goodwill ambassador, Anna-Marie Ondaatje, happily obliged to contribute to this cause. "We are all equal and here for a purpose", said Anna-Marie.

 

 

Goals of the foundation: “I am ambitious to focus on human rights, basic needs,(food, clothing and shelter), creating change in areas of health and safety, education, gender equality, foster, abuse, women, disaster response, refugee, sports development, arts, culture and heritage, rural transformation and urban renewal."

When asked why she chose to be involved in this area of humanitarian work Anna-Marie said, "When I looked back at my Ondaatje family history, I learnt that many of my ancestors have contributed to my mother country in many different ways. This inspired me to follow in the humanitarian path, showing me how much of an impact I can make. By doing this I hope to make a difference. In order to really understand where you are going, you must understand where you are coming from." 

"Anna-Marie Ondaatje is only 19, but her athletic legacy is already secure: as the first Rhythmic gymnast to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage, Ondaatje is already both pioneer and ambassador for her sport. "

 -International Gymnastic Federation (FIG) 

This is not the first time the Sports Journalists Association held hands with the 'A Quint Ondaatje Foundation' to support noble causes of this sort. In April this year, they came together to donate complete personal protective equipment (PPE) kits to front-line journalists and medical officers, to help them cover corona related news safely.

Wimalsena Perera; a gutsy Marathon Legend

Born on 30 May 1945 in Kelaniya, Wimalasena Perera is the 4th oldest Olympian residing in Sri Lanka after Sumith Liyanage, Ernest Fernando and Wimaladasa.

At the age of 19, in 1964, his exceptional athletic records helped him join the Army. The army was instrumental in him representing the country at the Olympics. He was placed 2nd in the 1964 Olympic selections so he couldn’t represent the country. Perera trained hard and won the all-island marathon race in 1966 where he broke the national record established by Linz Dias, who represented Sri Lanka in the 1960 Olympics. Wimalasena owned this record for 25 long years, till 1991.

His first international experience was in the Commonwealth Games held in Jamaica in August 1966. A shoulder injury in the 11th mile forced him to abandon the race. He took part in the 1500, 5000 and the 10000 m events too.

Later in the Singapore National Games held in 1967 he won 2 silver medals for the 5000m and the 10000m event. These performances together with winning the trials helped him to take part in the 1968 Jamaica Olympics.