The widow of the late Sri Lankan Olympian Ranatunge Karunananda will receive monthly financial assistance from the President’s Fund to cover her medical treatment and clinical needs, Newswire reported on Wednesday.
The Fund has allocated Rs. 20,000 a month to ensure her ongoing care. Karunananda, who famously finished last in the 10,000-metre race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics but won worldwide admiration for completing the race in front of an applauding stadium, died more than five decades ago. His widow has been living quietly in Naththandiya and has lately been in poor health.
Arrangements for the sustained support were made about a month ago following a home visit, after retired civil engineer Upul Ranjan brought her situation to public attention. The Divisional Secretary of Naththandiya and her staff played a key role in processing the assistance efficiently, according to the report.
Karunananda’s perseverance at the 1964 Games — where he kept running long after the rest of the field had finished, completing the four additional laps the leaders had on him — became one of the most celebrated moments of the Tokyo Olympics and is still cited as a symbol of Olympic spirit in Sri Lanka.
The President’s Fund has expanded its targeted relief role this year, including scholarships for children of lottery sellers via the National Lotteries Board and a healthcare partnership with Janashakthi for children’s medical needs.
Source: Newswire.
