Anil Prasanna Jayalath, a remarkable athlete from Sri Lanka, has made significant strides in his sporting career, particularly highlighted by his recent participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Competing in the Men’s 100m T42/63 event, Anil clocked a time of 13.03 seconds, securing a rank of 6 in Heat 1 and an overall rank of 11. His performance at the Games is a testament to his resilience and dedication to athletics.
Anil Prasanna hails from Uhana Weranketagoda, a village in Ampara, where he attended Waranketagoda Maha Vidyalaya. After excelling in his Advanced Level exams in the Arts stream, Anil aspired to become a teacher. However, due to economic hardships at home, he was unable to pursue this dream. In 2004, inspired by a poster of Sri Lankan soldiers, he decided to join the Army, seeking a path that would allow him to contribute to his country.
Anil’s life took a tragic turn in 2009 during a fierce battle in the Pudukuduirippu area, where he suffered a severe knee injury that shattered his joints. This incident led to a year and a half of intense pain and rehabilitation, during which he was confined to a hospital bed. Despite these challenges, Anil found the strength to rise again, channelling his energy into sports.
Anil made his mark in athletics at the 2014 Asian Para Games, where he won a gold medal in the 200-meter event and two silver medals in the 100-meter and long-jump events. However, financial difficulties in 2017 forced him to leave the Army and put his sports career on hold. He started a small retail shop and a flowerpot business, but the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted these ventures.
After a five-year hiatus, Anil returned to competitive sports and achieved a silver medal for Sri Lanka at the 2022 Asian Para Games. His current goal is to finish among the top eight in the 100-meter event at the Paris Paralympic Games and to win a medal, showcasing his indomitable spirit and commitment to excellence.
Written by Nadun Kumarasinghe | Moraspirit