Retirement of Weightlifter Sudesh Peiris OLY

After 25 years in the sport, Sudesh Peiris announced his retirement from competitive involvement as an athlete, during a media conference held at the Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium of the Olympic House in Colombo.

Born in Gonawila in 1985, he is a past pupil of St. Mary’s College, Negombo. The 38 year old was introduced to the world of weightlifting as a 13 year old in 1998, under the watchful eyes 0f Ranjith Perera. The Veteran Athlete is now a spritely 79 years, but still wins medals in competitive meets. His present coach is R B Wickramasinghe.

He served the Sri Lanka Air Force at a critical stage in his career to sustain himself. Presently domiciled in Japan, he has won multiple National titles in the land of the Rising Sun.

Sudesh Peiris commenced his medal haul in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Colombo with a Bronze. He also won Bronze at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, secured Silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow & also represented the country at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. In between, he has bagged Gold, Silver & Bronze medals at various International Competitions.

The undisputed Sri Lanka National Champion over a healthy period of time, Sudesh Peiris has also been bestowed the honour of Captaining Team Sri Lanka.

The notable absentees at the function were the officials of the Sri Lanka Weightlifting Federation.

Report / Photos courtesy NOCSL