“All of you were selected through rigorous competition and hard-work to be included in the national team,” President Rajapaksa said. “You should be proud of this achievement, and consider it a distinct privilege and honour to represent your country at such a widely celebrated event.”

There are 156 athletes from various parts of the country representing Sri Lanka in Glasgow in a number of different events. The President, in his message, spoke to the athletes about the role they can play in promoting harmony within the country as well.

“Sports has always played a significant and unifying role in Sri Lanka, particularly in the post conflict environment of the country, bringing together sportsmen and women and their supporters from across the Island in a spirit of harmony,” President Rajapaksa said.

In the message to the Sri Lankan athletes, President Rajapaksa reminded them that it is not about winning or losing but it is the spirit in which they perform at the Games that is most important.

HC