The Lightning strikes
From the quiet village of Vidulipura to the grand Olympic stadiums, and now the hallowed halls of Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Sugath Thilakaratne, fondly known as the ‘Lightning of Vidulipura’, has made history once again. This time, not with his speed on the track but by becoming Sri Lanka’s first Olympic athlete to serve in Parliament. At 51, the legendary sprinter has been appointed as the Deputy Minister of Sports in the country’s newly formed government, led by the JVP and its affiliate, the National People’s Power (NPP).
Born and educated at Vidulipura Maha Vidyalaya, Nortonbridge, a rural school often overlooked in the nation’s athletic circles, Thilakaratne rose to become Sri Lanka’s greatest male sprinter. His electrifying performances earned him the nickname ‘Vidulipura Viduliya’, a phrase that captures his unmatched speed and brilliance—like a lightning bolt cutting through the sky.
“I always believed that no matter where you come from, greatness can be achieved if you have the will to fight for it. Vidulipura may be a small place, but it gave me dreams as big as the world,” Thilakaratne said, reflecting on his humble beginnings. Thilakaratne’s international career spanned from 1994 to 2002, during which he won 11 medals, including seven golds. His journey included six golds at the South Asian Games, a gold at the 1998 Asian Games in the Men’s 400m, and bronze medals at the 1995 Asian Athletics Championships, 1998 Commonwealth Games, and 2002 Asian Athletics Championships. One of the most defining moments of his career came at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where Thilakaratne stunned the world by defeating 400m world record holder and eventual Olympic gold medallist, USA’s Michael Johnson in the heats, clocking an astonishing 44.78 seconds.
“When I beat Michael Johnson, it wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a moment for every Sri Lankan. I wanted to prove that even a small country like ours could produce world class athletes,” Thilakaratne shared with a smile.
His career peaked in 1998 when, at the Asian Athletics Championships in Japan, he ran the race of his life, clocking 44.61 seconds in the 400m to win gold and set a record that still stands today. However, it was not just his speed that made him a champion. Thilakaratne was known for his incredible grit, especially in the final 50 metres of his 400m sprints, where he would push through the pain and give his all.
“That last 50 metres was always the moment I lived for. It’s the part of the race where everything is on the line—your body is screaming, but your heart tells you to keep fighting. I never gave up, no matter how much it hurt. That was my moment to show what I was truly made of,” he recalled, highlighting the willpower that made him a champion.
His unstoppable drive in those final moments earned him the admiration of athletes and fans alike.
“I fought until the very last step, knowing that giving up was never an option,” he added.
After retiring in 2002, Thilakaratne’s connection to sports remained strong. He became a member of the National Sports Council and later served as President of the Sri Lanka Athletics Association starting in 2015. Through these roles, he worked tirelessly to uplift young athletes, particularly those from rural areas, like his own town Vidulipura.
“Our rural athletes have so much potential, but they lack the facilities and support to succeed. As someone who came from the same background, I am determined to change that,” Thilakaratne said, outlining his vision for sports development in Sri Lanka.
A passionate advocate for the underprivileged, Thilakaratne joined the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP),
Sri Lanka’s leftist political party, extending his dedication into politics. His political career gained momentum when the JVP aligned with the National People’s Power (NPP) movement. On November 21, Thilakaratne achieved another milestone, becoming Sri Lanka’s first Olympic athlete to serve in Parliament and take on the role of Deputy Minister of Sports, as he vowed to transform the nation’s sports sector.
“I know the struggles of being an athlete. I’ve run the hardest races of my life, both on and off the track. Now, I want to make that journey easier for the next generation,” he said.
His plans include developing rural sports facilities, creating funding programmes for budding athletes, and ensuring proper training and exposure for those representing Sri Lanka internationally.
“For too long, our athletes have been celebrated only when they win. But they need support from the moment they start their journey. My mission is to ensure that every child with a dream has the chance to achieve it,” Thilakaratne said, emphasising the importance of nurturing talent from the grassroots level.
As a sprinter, he brought glory to Sri Lanka, setting records that remain untouched. As a leader, he is now willing to work to bring opportunities to others, ensuring no child’s talent goes unnoticed, just as his own was nurtured.
‘The Lightning of Vidulipura’ has proven that greatness knows no boundaries, whether it’s a finish line on the track or the desks of Parliament. Through his inspiring journey, Sugath Thilakaratne has shown that a true champion shines both in competition and in service to others.
“I’ve run for my country; now, I will serve my country. Together, we can create a future where every Sri Lankan shines,” he concluded.