Vidanage and his coach, Kumudu Kumara de Silva, were welcomed by Polonnaruwa Weghtlifting Association

The district weightlifting association has organised a march from Minneriya to Polonnaruwa to welcome Chintana Geetal Vidanage.

He was the sole success for Sri Lanka at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games.

Addressing a rally in Polonnaruwa after the march Mahaveli Minister Maithreepala Sirisena promised to offer Vidanage a piece of land in Mahaveli Development area.

Vidanage’s personal coach for nearly ten years, Kumudu Kumara de Silva, expressed gratitude that sports fans appreciated his service.

“It is a humble experience to be honoured as a coach in a country where only the performers are commended,” de Silva, General Secretary of the district association told bbcsinhala.com.

Kumudu Kumara de Silva was not allowed by the authorities to travel to Melbourne for the Games.

Vidanage’s mother Dharmaseeli Kotalawala said she was very proud of her son, who was not initially supported by authorities to achieve his goal.