His nerves and muscles stand out on his body and the spirit of patriotism boosts his confidence when he represents the country at the Olympic Games. He is none other than Manjula Kumara Wijesekara.
In an interview with the Youth Observer he shares his ideas and memories.
Athletic journey
Born in a beautiful village named Morawaka Rathuwala, he studied at two schools, Kosnilgoda Vidyalaya and Vijitha Central College, Dickwella.
Being an energetic student he distinguished himself in sports by competing at the house sports meet. In 1994 he won the gold medal with a leap of 1.25 metres in the under 11 high-jump event. “When I competed at All Island competitions, I didn’t even have a spike to wear. My home was located on a mountaintop. Therefore, I had to walk about 5-6 kilometres to go to school. We did not even have a physical education teacher (PE teacher) in the school. The path was not an easy one,” Manjula recalled.
After Manjula’s victory, the school grabbed the attention of many sports coaches. Later on, a well qualified teacher Jayakody received her appointment as a PE teacher at Kosnilgoda Kanishta Vidyalaya.
She was Manjula’s first PE teacher. In 1996, he received a golden opportunity to enter Vijitha Central College, Dickwella.
“I was selected to Vijitha Central College, Dickwella and could continue my athletic journey, winning medals. It was the turning point in my life,” he said adding “I have to remember my first PE teacher Jayakody. She identified my talents and inspired me to go ahead.”
In 1999 and 2000, Manjula came under the spotlight by winning gold medals at All Island competitions. “I won gold medals by competing in the under-15 high jump event and the under 17 high jump event.” Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam (first Asian Games gold medalist for SL. Olympics1952 and 1956) had paved the way for Manjula to fly to America.
“I went to America and received six months training. It was a great opportunity for me,” said Manjula.
Manjula completed his Bachelors Degree in Economics at the University of Southern California. On the other hand, it is evident that Manjula is a patriot. Even though Manjula could have stayed in America, he came back to Sri Lanka with the idea of developing sports in the country.
His achievements
No doubt that Manjula is a gem to Sri Lanka. His achievements will reveal his brilliance.
He has been representing Sri Lanka in international high jump events since 2001. By winning Gold Medals in 2005 and 2009 at the Asian Athletic Championships, he brightened the country’s name in the international arena. Being a determined athlete, he won Gold Medals in 2004, 2006 and 2016 at the South Asian Games.
In addition to the fact that he participated in the 2010 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, he distinguished himself in 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Manjula marked a remarkable milestone in his career by winning the Sri Lanka Sports Festival Best Athlete Award seven times. Speaking further, it is obvious that Manjula is a fourteen-time National Champion, two-time Asian Outdoor champion and three-time South Asian Games champion. Manjula has been the National Champion of Sri Lanka since 2001. He holds the National High Jump Record since 2004. His personal best score is 2.27 metres.
Challenges
“I did not hail from a rich family. My mother eked out a living as a tea plucker. My father and my elder brother passed away. I did not have shoes and sports kits to wear for high jump events. My home was located on a mountaintop. So I had to walk about 4-5 kilometres to school. I had to take up these challenges.”
Message
“Athletes should be committed to what they do. Many athletes and coaches expect quick results like the ‘gas of a soda bottle’. But it is not practical and some athletes tend to take supplements and other banned drugs to boost their speed. I ask them to get advice from doctors before using such supplements because we can not predict its impact on our health.
Therefore, those who take supplements should have a better understanding of them. And even though we continue sports we have to give priority to our education. Some children can be seen doing sports, neglecting their studies. It is not a good trend. I completed my degree in America. Hence I can be satisfied with it. Others also should balance both studies and sports.
Develop sports in the country
“In our country there are talented athletes. They do not have enough facilities when compared with other countries. That is a big challenge. The vital role played by the Tri Forces in order to uplift the country’s sports can never be underestimated. It is essential to take steps to boost the sports in the country by providing athletes with facilities. And those responsible should ensure the wellbeing of athletes without ignoring them. Significantly, it would be better to offer professional course for athletes in such a way that they can ensure the stability of their future after their retirement,” Manjula said.
Those who helped
“My mother helped me. After my mother’s passing away, my elder sister looked after me like my mother. I should remember my first PE teacher, Jayakody teacher. NagalingamEthirveerasingam who helped me go to America. I have to thank People’s Bank which provided me with a house. A big thankyou should go to my coaches. And Anula Kosta who helped me in Australia. And my wife, Anjula. She is with me for everything in my life. Importantly, I should remember the support from the Sri Lanka AirForce,” Manjula said.
At present, Manjula is working as a coach in Australia. We can boost sports in the country for our future generations under the guidance of unrivalled athletes like Manjula Kumara Wijesekara.
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National achievements
- Sri Lanka High Jump Record Holder since 2004.
- Sri Lanka High Jump Champion from 2001 - 2018.
- Twelve-time National Sports Festival Gold Medalist.
- Best Athlete of the National sports festival in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2018.
- Best athlete of the National Athlete championship from 2011 to 2016.
International achievements
- Participated in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
- Commonwealth Games finalist in Australia.
- 2010 Commonwealth Games finalist in India.
- 16th Asian Athletic Championship Gold Medalist 2005 (Korea).
- 18th Asian Athletic Championship Gold Medalist 2009 (China).
- 9th South Asian Games Gold Medalist 2004 (Pakistan).
- 10th South Asian Games Gold Medalist 2006 (Sri Lanka).
- 12th South Asian Games Gold medalist 2016 (India).
- Asian Grand prix Gold Medals 2004 (Sri Lanka).
- Asian Grand Prix Gold Medal 2012 (Thailand).
- Asia Grand prix Gold Medal 2013 (Sri Lanka).
- Asian All start Athletic Championship Gold Medal 2010 (India).
- Asian Indoor Athletic Championship Bronze Medal 2016 (Qatar).
- Asian Indoor Games Bronze Medal 2017 (Turkmenistan).
- Victoria Open Athletic Championship Gold Medal 2018 (Victoria Champion) in Melbourne.
- Sydney Grand Prix Silver Medal 2018 (Sydney).
- Victoria Open Athletic Championship Gold Medal 2019 (Victoria Champion) in Melbourne.
- Australian Athletic Championship 2019 representing Victoria - Silver Medal.
- Thailand Open Athletic Championship Gold Medal 2002.
- Philippine Open Athletic Championship Gold Medal 2017.