Tharushi Karunaratne, a distinguished student-athlete who recently secured a gold medal in the women's 800m event at the prestigious Asian Games, was accorded a special audience with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the distinguished President's House in Kandy this morning.

Tharushi Karunaratne's visit to the President's House coincided with the formal presentation of credentials to newly appointed ambassadors to Sri Lanka, adding an air of international recognition to her remarkable achievement. In the midst of this auspicious occasion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe introduced Tharushi Karunaratne to the newly accredited ambassadors, solidifying her status as a celebrated sports icon on the world stage.

The President extended a warm welcome to Tharushi Karunaratne and used the opportunity to appreciate her outstanding performance, marking a historic moment in Sri Lanka's sporting history. He conveyed his heartfelt congratulations for her remarkable accomplishment, which ended a 21-year gold medal drought for Sri Lanka at the Asian Games.

To make the occasion even more special, 76 dedicated students currently enrolled in athletics at the Sports School of Walala A. Rathnayake Central College, where Tharushi is pursuing her education, were invited to join this momentous event. The student-athletes, accompanied by the school's principal, athletic coach, and six dedicated teachers, were all present to celebrate Tharushi's success and gain inspiration from her journey.

The Sports School of the Kandy District, established in 1995 at Walala A. Ratnayake Central College, has consistently garnered national and international recognition for its exceptional contributions to athletics. The institution proudly boasts a legacy of nurturing athletes who have represented Sri Lanka at various levels of international competitions, from South Asian junior events to the grand stage of the Olympic Games.