Sri Lanka's Silver Champion Has One Goal Left to Conquer

COLOMBO (News 1st): For most athletes, standing on the podium once is a career-defining achievement. For Sri Lanka's Palitha Bandara, it became a habit.

Having already etched his name into the country's sporting history, Bandara remains the only Sri Lankan Para athlete to have won silver medals at two consecutive Commonwealth Games, a feat that has made him one of the nation's most inspiring sporting figures.

The accomplished shot put athlete first captured a Commonwealth Games silver medal in 2022 before repeating the achievement at the 2026 edition, once again carrying the Sri Lankan flag proudly onto the international podium.

Reflecting on his remarkable achievement, Bandara said winning medals at both competitions remains one of the proudest moments of his career.

"I won silver medals at both the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It is something that gives me immense pride and happiness," he said.

Yet despite becoming one of Sri Lanka's most successful Para athletes, Bandara insists his journey is far from over.

While two Commonwealth silver medals already sit in his trophy cabinet, his sights are now firmly fixed on even bigger milestones.

When asked about the challenges of competing against some of the world's best athletes and the possibility of eventually turning silver into gold, Bandara expressed confidence about the future.

"I certainly have a big ambition. The 2030 Commonwealth Games will be held in India, and the climatic conditions there are very similar to those in Sri Lanka," he said, hinting at his belief that the environment could help him push for an even stronger performance.

However, before 2030 arrives, another major target dominates his thoughts.

The Paralympic Games.

For Sri Lankan sports fans, 2028 is increasingly being viewed as a year that could potentially deliver one of the country's most significant achievements in Para sport, and Bandara is determined to make that dream a reality.

Speaking about his Paralympic ambitions, he acknowledged the role played by his coach, Prabath Danushka Perera, a former national medalist in throwing events who has guided his development throughout the years.

"My coach, Prabath Danushka Perera, has been a tremendous influence on my journey. He is a medal-winning athlete in national throwing events and has helped me immensely."

Despite all his success, Bandara says there is one achievement still missing from his career.

"The only thing I have yet to achieve is a Paralympic medal. That is my biggest goal now. In 2028, I hope to bring a Paralympic medal to Sri Lanka in the Shot Put event."

It is a goal that carries not only personal significance, but also the hopes of a nation eager to see one of its most dedicated athletes reach the pinnacle of international sport.

Away from the throwing circle, Bandara remains grateful to the institutions and individuals who helped shape his career.

The Sri Lanka Army, which he represents, played a pivotal role in helping transform him into the athlete he is today.

"If I had not joined the Sri Lanka Army and the Sri Lanka National Guard, there would be no athlete called Palitha Bandara today. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey," he said.

His words reflect the humility that has accompanied his rise through Sri Lankan sport, a journey built on discipline, sacrifice and relentless determination.

Today, Palitha Bandara stands as more than just a double Commonwealth Games silver medalist. He is a symbol of perseverance, resilience and ambition. 

With two Commonwealth medals already won and a Paralympic dream still alive, Sri Lanka's inspirational shot put star is determined that his greatest achievement may still lie ahead.