Turkish Airlines has agreed to compensate Sri Lankan Javelin Champion Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage for damage caused to his sports equipment following his return to Sri Lanka last morning (15).

Tharanga, who won the gold medal in the javelin throw at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Hungary, had reportedly found his sports equipment damaged upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

The matter was discussed at a meeting held yesterday (15) at the Civil Aviation Authority premises, chaired by Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku.

Secretary to the Ministry W.W.W.S. Mangala, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority Captain Daminda Rambukwella, Chairman Colonel (Retired) Ranjith Rajasinghe and representatives of Turkish Airlines also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Turkish Airlines representatives expressed their regret over the damage caused to the athlete’s sports equipment, according to a statement issued by the Ministry.

During the meeting an agreement was reached that the airline would conduct the necessary internal investigations and assess the extent of the damage.

Turkish Airlines has also agreed to take immediate steps to compensate the athlete for the damage, according to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation.