H S Caldera, an employee of People’s Bank was
among the six athletes that brought the South Asian Games (SAG)
torch into the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex at the 10th
South Asian Games, which were held in Colombo recently.
Caldera, an Assistant Manager at People’s Bank
won a bronze medal at the 8th Asian Games held in Bangkok,
Thailand in 1978. This was the last time Sri Lanka won a medal
in the sport of boxing at the Asian Games.
"I was honoured to be the only boxer among the
six athletes chosen to bring the SAG torch into the stadium and
run a few laps. The experience was heightened because the Games
were being held in Sri Lanka after a period of 15 years,"
Caldera said. The SAG torch travelled across 25 cities in Sri
Lanka, where it was brought into the stadium by the group and
handed over to two of Sri Lanka’s most outstanding athletes.
Former Asian Gold medal winning Nagalingam
Harbeshsangham and Commonwealth Games Silver medallist Sriyani
Kulawansa lit the lamp, which was sponsored by the People’s
Bank, inaugurating the colourful ceremony.
The Bank also sponsored the upgrading of the
digital score board at the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex.
This is yet another way in which the Bank has
generously helped the development of sports in the country as
well helping the organisers to host a memorable event, which
celebrates the unity and togetherness of the region. "We are
indeed proud to be a part of an event of this nature," said
Deepal Abeysekera, Head of Marketing & Public Affairs, People’s
Bank.
