A promising school girl athlete and a winner of middle to long distance events at national level from the Matara district, is unable to continue her athletics career as her family solely depends on the Samurdhi handouts due to abject poverty.

P. B. Dinesha of Makandura Maha Vidyalaya, has proved her mettle at the National Athletic Championships and other meets winning the 1,500 metres and 5,000 metres events, school authorities said.

She hails from a family of Samurdhi recipients and does not have the means to further her athletic career.

Informed sources said that she had lost her father when she was an infant and her mother was suffering from an illness for which she needs a substantial amount of money for medication. Besides this, Dinesha’s two brothers are also still attending school and the family needs money for their education.

Dinesha’s family appeals to the public to assist her in furthering her athletic career and also for a good Samaritan to help them obtain electricity to her house.

Her address is 2/226, Ipitawatte, Diddinipotha, Makandura West, Matara.