Sri Lanka Celebrates Gender Equality and Inspiring Stories at the Paris 2024 Olympics

The Paris Olympics 2024 has achieved a ground-breaking milestone in gender equality. For the first time in history, the grand event features an equal number of women and men athletes, which is a moment of great celebration and inspiration.  

Sri Lanka is especially excited because out of the six athletes participated three were women and they are proudly representing the country. The nation’s champions are competing in Athletics, badminton and swimming.  

The Sri Lankan national flag bearers are Dilhani Lekamge and Viren Nettasinghe.  

Viren Nettasinghe is participating in the badminton men’s singles , Ganga Senavirathne and Kyle Abeysinghe are competing in swimming for the women’s 100m backstroke and men’s 100m freestyle respectively.  

And, Tharushi Karunarathne, Nadeesha Dilhani Lekamge, and Aruna Darshana are competing in athletics for the events of women’s 800m, women’s javelin throw, and men’s 400m respectively.  

Their participation has filled the nation with inspiration, setting a shining example for future female athletes in Sri Lanka.  

Image Credit – France 24

Adding to the excitement, Tharshan Selvarajah has made history by being the first Sri Lankan-born to carry the Olympic Torch. This special moment began in Greece and has brought immense happiness to the Sri Lankan community, especially those living in France. They are celebrating with great enthusiasm sharing in the joy of this historic event.  

Tharshan Selvarajah, an award-winning baker, achieved fame in 2023 by winning the Grand Prize for traditional French Baguette. His baguettes were even served to President Emmanuel Macron at the presidential palace. When asked about his secret to making such special baguettes, Tharshan’s humble and heart-warming response  

“ God gave us all different hands. My mother’s chicken curry and my wife’s chicken curry may use the same chicken, but they never taste the same. God has given me the best hands to make the best baguettes. ” captivated everyone.  

This historic Olympics, marked by unprecedented gender equality and inspiring stories like Tharshan’s, is a moment of celebration and motivation for all involved.