The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Qatar, H.E. Sithara Khan felicitated the Sri Lanka Universities Weightlifting team that won medals at the 2026 FISU World University Championship in Weightlifting organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and hosted by the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation (QCSF) that took place from 8–12 September 2026 at Education City’s Multaqa Student Center in Doha, Qatar.
Welcoming the victorious team at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha on 13 September 2026, Ambassador Sithara Khan congratulated the Sri Lanka universities team for their remarkable achievements. The Ambassador appreciated the team’s hard work and commitment to their chosen sport while pursuing full-time undergraduate studies at state universities in Sri Lanka. She also commended the team, which consisted of five males and two female weightlifters, for bringing glory to Sri Lanka at an international sporting event that included 116 student athletes from 21 countries from across the world.
The Sri Lankan team consisted of Avindu Sasmika (University of Sri Jayawardhanapura), Ashen Shamika (University of Colombo), Dulneth Gothatuwa (University of Colombo) Nipun Dissanayake (University of Sabaragamuwa), V. B Arshika (University of Sri Jayawardhanapura), Uthpala Nawarathna (University of Sabaragamuwa) and Isuru Perera (University of Moratuwa) and was accompanied by their Manager cum Coach, Mr. Sujan Walgampaya.
In the Men’s 60Kg category, Avindu Sasmika won a gold medal while Nipun Dissanayake won a bronze medal in the Men’s 65Kg category.
The Sri Lankan universities team thanked the Ambassador and the staff of the Embassy for the warm welcome accorded to them and also appreciated the support extended by the Sri Lanka Coordinating Committee, the umbrella Sri Lankan community organisation in Qatar. Minister of the Mission, Mr. Dharmasiri Wijewardhane, Head of Chancery and Counsellor, Ms. Dulanji Herath and Mr. A. M. M. Umarath, Third Secretary and Head of the Employment and Welfare Section of the Embassy were also associated with the event.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Doha, Qatar
14 September 2026