Marasekara seeks President’s assistance

by Reemus Fernando



Troubled sprinter Prasanna Amarasekara is seeking the help of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to persevere in his athletic career which was on the up before the athlete got involved in a human smuggling case.

Returning to athletics after a long lapse, the sprinter, who has proved that he is still the one to beat in the men's 400 metres finds it hard to meet his ends as he is without a job.

"I seek the help of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to persevere in athletics. I know that I am capable of winning a gold medal at the forthcoming Asian Games if I am relieved of the financial burdens I have to face now," Amarasekara told 'The Island' yesterday.

"I find it extremely hard to find day to day expenses and to attend to my sick mother while dedicating my time for athletics," Amarasekara explained.

"I know that His Excellency is a sports lover. I have faith that he would help me. I am looking forward to his help," Amamrasekara said.

Amarasekara produced a time of 47.02 seconds at the recently held athletics trials and is a strong contender for medals in the Asian track where the 400 metre is down.

"I have high hopes about the Asian Games. I have the ability to go for gold. If I could get close to 46.01, I am within the reach of the gold. I know that I can reach that mark," expressed Amarasekara.

Amarasekar is one of the very few Sri Lankan athletes to have run the men's 400 metres below 46 seconds and experts believe that the 29-year-old still has the capability to reach the top level if he is relieved of his financial burdens.