Yupun Abeykoon, one of South Asia’s fastest sprinters and a Commonwealth Games medallist, has brought the curtain down on his competitive career, retiring from the sport on Tuesday (July 21), NewsFirst reported. The decision marks the end of an era for Sri Lankan athletics.
Abeykoon built his reputation as the quickest man in the region, earning international recognition on the sprint circuit and standing among the country’s most celebrated track athletes. His exit removes one of Sri Lanka’s few genuine world-class performers in the short sprints.
His retirement has, however, been overshadowed by a dispute over an unfulfilled financial commitment. A day after the announcement, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage said the government is unable to provide Abeykoon with the USD 300,000 he was reportedly promised, according to Ada Derana.
Gamage said the pledge had been made as a verbal commitment allegedly given by former Sports Minister Harin Fernando, and that the current administration could not honour a promise that was not backed by any formal or written agreement.
The episode has drawn attention to how funding assurances are made to elite Sri Lankan athletes, and whether commitments given by ministers can be relied upon once governments change. Abeykoon has not issued a detailed public response to the minister’s remarks.
