Significantly, Chinthana's great achievement by winning a gold medal in weightlifting at the eighteenth Commonwealth Games held recently in Melbourne, Australia assured Sri Lanka the 22 nd place in the medal tally indicated in final standing issued at the end of the games.

It was remarkable and significant that this was the only gold medal won by Sri Lanka at the games. Therefore, Chinthan's gold medal is very unique and worth of a gold mine.

While whole Sri Lanka overjoyed with his achievement, the Sri Lankan expatriates in New South Wales, Australia also expressed their gratitude to Chinthana by organizing an event to felicitate his achievement in a more modest way.

Despite numerous other requests received, Chinthana was very delighted to come to Sydney with his coach, Mr. Wickramasinghe on Sunday 26 th March to attend this special felicitation event, held at Blue Elephant Restaurant in Crews Nest in North of Sydney.

He was the chief guest at a well attended reception jointly organized by Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra, Sri Lanka Consulate General in Sydney and all associations and organizations which represent Sri Lankans in NSW.

Very thoughtful idea was first surfaced by a number of Sri Lankan well-wishers live in NSW, which was later unanimously supported by all Sri Lankan associations and organizations in NSW. H.E. Mr. K. Balapatabendi, High commissioner for Sri Lanka in Australia guided the officials in the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Sydney to arrange this event, which was seen as a great success.

At very short notice of two days, the organizers were able to collect a handsome sum of approximately 3,400/- Australian Dollars from different well-wishers in NSW to be presented to Chinthana in cash at the felicitation event.

This very touching moment was witnessed by a large number of Sri Lankan expatriates, who gathered at Shiva's Blue Elephant Restaurant despite their deserved rest day of Sunday.

H.E. Mr. K. Balapatabendi, High commissioner for Sri Lanka in Australia, the guest of Honour and Mr. C. Gunapala, Minister at Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra were kind enough to be present in Sydney to witness this event. They were delighted to receive Chinthana in Sydney as they were mainly involved in making all arrangements to facilitate Chinthana's visit to Sydney, which was appreciated by everyone present at the event.

In Sydney, Chinthana shared his achievement with fellow Sri Lankans in a more humble and modest way and was very accommodative in responding to all these queries posed to him. The Sri Lankan expatriates who considered Chinthana as their own son or brother, were very proud of his achievement, and generously offered their fullest support to Chinthana to build his future both academically and professionally.

In addition to funds he received at the event, a number of well wishers indicated their willingness to help Chinthana in different ways. One well-wisher offered to provide him a SLRS. 15,000/- financial grant per month to use for his needs, another well wisher offered to sponsor Chinthana to get him into TAFE College in Australia. H.E. Mr. Balapatabendi volunteered to coordinate these two projects on behalf Chinthana, so that he would be able to derive the benefits of these generous offers.

While accepting all the praises, greetings and generosity extended, in usual humble way, he spoke few words highlighting the difficult path he had so far traveled and the sacrifices he had to make in his life to achieve this highest achievement in his life.

He also had few words so spare to thank all those present for their generosity. He also stated that he looks upon everyone, whether be a friend or an enemy, who givens him blessings and encouragement, and values their guidance and advice. He also stated that his aim is to achieve the best in his life both academically and professionally.

The organizers thanked all those associations and organizations represent Sri Lankans in NSW and individual well-wishers who contributed to this worthy exercise at the short notice. Appreciation was also extended to Mr. Siva Kumaran for providing his restaurant venue for the event free-of-charge.

The organizers also requested all other interested expatriate Sri Lankans, who could not contribute to “Chinthana's Fund” may do so by sending their donations to Chinthana's Bank Account, details of which will be provided by Sri Lanka Consulate General in Sydney on request.

Click here for a selection of photographs taken by Nimal Punchihewa of the event.

Media release by the Sri Lanka Consulate General, Sydney.