Colombo, Sep. 16 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lankan civil aviation authorities have sought an explanation from Turkish Airlines over damage reportedly caused to the sports equipment of world champion javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga during his return journey to Sri Lanka. the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation said.
A special meeting was held yesterday at the Civil Aviation Authority premises with representatives of Turkish Airlines to discuss the incident and the damage sustained by the athlete’s equipment.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku. Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala, Director General of Civil Aviation Captain Daminda Rambukwella and Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, retired Colonel Ranjith Rajasinghe, were also present.
During the discussion, representatives of Turkish Airlines expressed regret over the damage caused to Tharanga’s sporting equipment.
The airline representatives agreed to conduct an internal investigation into the incident and assess the full extent of the damage.
Following the assessment, Turkish Airlines has agreed to take necessary action to compensate the athlete for the losses incurred, according to officials.
Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage’s preparations for the 2026 Asian Games, stating on September 19, have suffered a major setback after all five of his competition javelins were damaged during a flight back to Colombo.
The 23-year-old was returning to Sri Lanka from Budapest after winning the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Hungary on Sunday when the equipment was damaged inside the aircraft.
Sam Wednesday, 16 September 2026 08:53 AM
How can you do this to our world champion
Saliya Peeris Wednesday, 16 September 2026 03:03 PM
Wije Wednesday, 16 September 2026 10:35 AM
If this happened to some one in Europe , high claim will be raised against Airline.
UMESH Wednesday, 16 September 2026 12:47 PM
someone does not want him to win , (who and why) he is our only chance
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