Dialog Fuels Sri Lanka's Paralympic Ambitions: Paving the 'Road to Paris' 2024

Yushan Gunathilake, Head of Business, Mobile Telecommunications at Dialog Axiata PLC, formally presented the official sponsorship for the Sri Lankan contingent to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games to Samitha Dulan, Team Captain, and Col. Deepal Herath, President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC). The sponsorship handover ceremony was also attended by Asith De Silva - Senior Manager of Social Innovation at Dialog Axiata PLC, along with members of the Sri Lankan Paralympic team preparing for the 2024 Paris Para Games.

Sri Lanka's #1 connectivity provider and prolific promoter of sports, Dialog Axiata PLC, proudly announces its sponsorship of the eight-member Sri Lankan Paralympic team as they prepare to compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France, this August. Led by the exceptional javelin thrower Samitha Dulan, the team comprises athletes who have excelled in their respective disciplines. These athletes exemplify resilience, determination, and national pride, carrying the aspirations of an entire nation as they aim to make a significant impact on the world stage. For 23 years, Dialog has fueled the dreams of Sri Lanka’s Paralympians, serving as a steadfast supporter of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Sri Lanka and empowering athletes to reach new heights.

At the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Pradeep Sanjaya made history by securing a bronze medal in the 400-metre T46 category with an impressive time of 49.28 seconds, marking Sri Lanka’s first-ever podium finish at the Paralympics. Building on this legacy, Dinesh Priyantha Herath won a bronze medal in the men’s javelin throw at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games and later earned a silver medal at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, UAE. Herath further distinguished himself at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games by winning Sri Lanka’s first-ever gold medal, while his teammate Samitha Dulan Kodithuwakku followed with a bronze in the F64 javelin event, achieving a personal best distance of 65.61 metres. These remarkable achievements highlight the growing prowess and determination of Sri Lanka's Paralympic athletes on the global stage.

Samitha Dulan, the flag bearer for the ‘Road to Paris’ team, will represent Sri Lanka in the F44 Javelin event. Joining him are Nuwan Indika in the T44 Men’s 100 metres, and Pradeep Somasiri in the T46 Men’s 1500 metres. Palitha Bandara will compete in the T42 Men’s Shot Put, while Prasanna Jayalath will participate in the T42 Men’s 100 metres. Janani Dhananjana will represent Sri Lanka in the T47 Women’s Long Jump, Naveed Raheem will swim in the S9 Men’s 400 metres Freestyle, and Ranjan Dharmasena will aim for success in Men’s Open Singles Wheelchair Tennis.

Supported by Dialog’s enduring partnership, these athletes are set to inspire with their talent, grit, and unwavering dedication. Since 2000, the collaboration between Dialog and the NPC of Sri Lanka has been instrumental in creating an environment where these athletes can thrive and achieve international success. This long-standing partnership is a testament to Dialog’s unwavering commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities—not just through sports sponsorships, but also by pioneering advancements in assistive technology that promote disability inclusion.

Through its sustained support, Dialog has fostered an environment where Para athletes can thrive, achieve, and shine on the world stage. The results of this partnership are evident in the remarkable achievements our athletes have secured over the years, including 1 gold and 3 bronze medals at the Paralympic Games, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals at the World Para Athletics Championships, a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, and an impressive 9 gold, 18 silver, and 22 bronze medals at the Asian Para Games.

In addition to its support for Paralympic athletes, Dialog is also a dedicated sponsor of Sri Lanka’s National Cricket, Volleyball, and Esports teams, as well as the primary sponsor of the Sri Lanka Golf Open. The company promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion through sponsorships with the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka and the National Paralympic Committee, enabling athletes to compete in national and international tournaments. Furthering its commitment to empowering future champions, Dialog continues to support the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior Netball tournaments, and School Rugby.