Passing away of Dr. Ray Wijewardane

The National Olympic Committee notes with deep regrets the passing away of Deshyamanya, Vidyajothi Dr. Ray Wijewardane, Olympic Yachtsman.

Dr. Ray Wijewardane has lived a full life for over 80 years. A life filled with many accomplishments. After graduating from Cambridge University with a BSc degree in Agriculture, he served in Nigeria as the Head of the Agricultural Research Institute.

Dr. Ray Wijewardane started his sporting career on Rowing. Soon he shifted to Yachting and was fortunate in representing Sri Lanka in this sport at the Mexican Olympic Games in 1968 and Asian Games in 1970 at Bangkok. Participating in the Mexican Olympics was an experience rather than a victory. His international victory came in the Bangkok Asian Games in 1970. Participating the enterprise class he won a Silver medal.

Dr. Ray Wijewardane served as the Chancellor of the Moratuwa University. He was the primary authority on Sri Lankan Coconut Cultivation and was the Originator of the handheld tractor and inventor of numerous flying machines.

May he attain Nibbana.