It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of beloved Kosala Premaraja Sahabandu OLY – on 14th February 2026. We are gratefully remembering the honor he brought to the motherland by representing Sri Lanka in Athletics at Moscow Olympic 1980.
Kosala Premaraja Sahabandu OLY, born on 13 November 1949, was one of the most distinguished athletes produced by Mahinda College, Galle and Rahula College. From his school days, his exceptional talent in athletics was clearly evident, paving the way for remarkable achievements at both national and international levels.
He set a new Sri Lankan national record in the 800 meters event, marking himself as one of the country’s outstanding middle-distance runners.
At the 1974 Asian Games held in Tehran, he ran the second lap in the historic 4×400 meters relay. The Sri Lankan team clocked 3:07.4 minutes, establishing a new Asian Games record and winning the gold medal for Sri Lanka.
The team comprised:
Kosala Premaraja Sahabandu OLY
Wickramasinghe Wimaladasa OLY
Sunil Gunawardena OLY
A. Premachandra OLY
This team remains one of the most iconic and celebrated relay squads in Sri Lankan athletics history.
He was also a member of Sri Lanka’s 4×400 meters relay team at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, where the team recorded a time of 3:14.4 in the first round, finishing sixth.
The 1982 Asian Games marked his third appearance at the Asian Games. He also represented Sri Lanka at the 1979 Asian Athletics Championships held in Tokyo.
After concluding his competitive career, he continued to serve the sport through administration. In 2007, he served as Chairman of the National Athletics Selection Committee. As a sports administrator, he guided and mentored the younger generation, contributing immensely to the development of athletics in Sri Lanka.
After a brief illness, he was receiving treatment at Lanka Hospital, Colombo. He passed away yesterday day at his residence located at No. 1/4, Jaliyagoda, Piliyandala.
The life and contributions of Mr. Kosala Sahabandu OLY will forever remain in the proud history of Sri Lankan athletics.
His remains will lie at the Boralesgamuwa Funeral Parlour from 3:00 p.m. on 15 February 2026, and the final rites will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 16 February 2026.
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