Palitha Bandara Sets Sights on Paralympic Glory After Historic Commonwealth Run

For most athletes, winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games is a career-defining achievement. For Sri Lanka’s Para shot put star Palitha Bandara, reaching the podium has become a remarkable part of his journey.

Bandara has etched his name into Sri Lankan sporting history as the only Sri Lankan Para athlete to win silver medals at two consecutive Commonwealth Games. He first claimed silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games before repeating the feat at the 2026 edition, once again proudly representing Sri Lanka on the international stage.

Reflecting on his back-to-back Commonwealth successes, Bandara described the achievements as among the proudest moments of his career.

“I won silver medals at both the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It is something that gives me immense pride and happiness,” he said.

However, despite his impressive record, Bandara is not satisfied with silver. His ambitions now extend towards an even greater prize — a Paralympic medal.

The 2028 Paralympic Games have become his primary target, with the accomplished athlete determined to secure Sri Lanka’s place on the podium in the shot put event.

“The only thing I have yet to achieve is a Paralympic medal. That is my biggest goal now. In 2028, I hope to bring a Paralympic medal to Sri Lanka in the Shot Put event,” Bandara said.

A major influence on his journey has been his coach, Prabath Danushka Perera, a former national medalist in throwing events. Bandara credits his coach with playing a significant role in developing his abilities and guiding his progress.

“My coach, Prabath Danushka Perera, has been a tremendous influence on my journey. He is a medal-winning athlete in national throwing events and has helped me immensely,” he said.

Beyond the 2028 Paralympics, Bandara is already looking further ahead to the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India, where he hopes to challenge for gold. He believes the climatic conditions in India, which are similar to those in Sri Lanka, could work to his advantage.

“I certainly have a big ambition. The 2030 Commonwealth Games will be held in India, and the climatic conditions there are very similar to those in Sri Lanka,” he said.

Bandara also remains deeply grateful to the Sri Lanka Army and the Sri Lanka National Guard, which he says played a crucial role in shaping his sporting career.

“If I had not joined the Sri Lanka Army and the Sri Lanka National Guard, there would be no athlete called Palitha Bandara today. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey,” he said.

His story is one of discipline, resilience and determination. With two Commonwealth silver medals already secured, Bandara continues to chase the one achievement that has so far eluded him.

For Sri Lanka’s inspirational Para athlete, the greatest chapter of his career may still be waiting to be written — on the Paralympic stage.