In the late 1950s Ranjith Weerasena became the Sri Lankan public schools champion in the discus throw and reigned as the national discus champion for the next decade. In 1963 Weerasena set a national record that lasted for 10 years when he threw 39.94 metres. After his retirement from competing he turned to sports administration, becoming the youngest President of the Amateur Athletic Association of Sri Lanka when he was elected in 1978 at the age of 37. He served in the role until 1980, before spending two further stints as President; the next in 1982 and the final one in 1996. During this time Weerasena also served as the President of the Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka from 1980 to 1982. He remained committed to sport in Sri Lanka, earning him a lifetime achievement award at the 2016 Presidential Sports Awards ceremony.
Sri Lanka