Internal investigation into how Turkish Airlines' 'spear' broke after saying 'Sorry' to Ramesh

The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation states that Sri Lankan civil aviation authorities have inquired from Turkish Airlines regarding the damage caused to the sports equipment of world champion javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga while he was returning to the island. The 23-year-old Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage's five competitive javelins were damaged in this manner on the flight back to Sri Lanka from Budapest, after he won the inaugural World Athletics 'Ultimate' Championship held in Hungary on Sunday.

This incident has severely hampered his training and preparation for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to begin on September 19th.

A special meeting was held yesterday at the Civil Aviation Authority premises with the participation of Turkish Airlines representatives to discuss the incident and the damage to the sports equipment. The discussion, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Mr. Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, was attended by Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala, Director General of Civil Aviation Captain Daminda Rambukwella, and Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority (Retired) Colonel Ranjith Rajasinghe.

During this discussion, Turkish Airlines representatives expressed their regret over the damage to Rumesh Tharanga's sports equipment. The airline representatives also agreed to conduct an internal investigation into the incident and assess the full extent of the damage. Officials further stated that Turkish Airlines announced that steps would be taken to provide the necessary compensation for the loss incurred by the athlete after the assessment.