Tue, 21 May 2024 Today's Paper

Tharshan Selvarajah makes history as first Sri Lankan to carry Olympic torch

10 May 2024 09:31 pm - 40     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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May 10 - Paris-based Sri Lankan-born baker Tharshan Selvarajah has etched his name into the annals of history as the first Sri Lankan to be bestowed with the honour of carrying the iconic Olympic torch. 

Some 10,000 people will have the honour of carrying the torch for part of its relay around the country, from ordinary citizens to VIPs.

Selvarajah's journey to becoming a torchbearer embodies the essence of the Olympic spirit. Having arrived in France for the first time in 2006, he embarked on a remarkable trajectory from humble beginnings to culinary excellence. 

Initially working as a cook, Selvarajah's passion for baking soon led him to a bakery, where he honed his craft.


  Comments - 40

  • Shehan Friday, 10 May 2024 11:20 PM

    Well done… not sure he’s the first though .. not to belittle he’s achievements he’s a renowned baker…

    Jeanne Saturday, 11 May 2024 01:45 PM

    @Shehan: you should have stopped at "Well done".

    Bryan Karu Friday, 10 May 2024 11:43 PM

    Congratulations. Well done

    Nallammah Kulanthaivelu Saturday, 11 May 2024 12:43 AM

    Congratulations on the Greatest Honour.

    A Sydneysider Saturday, 11 May 2024 12:47 AM

    With no intention to discredit Tharshan Selvarajah This post is incorrect as in the Sydney 2000 Olympics a prominent Sri Lankan Sports Doctor was afforded that honour. Even in this instance I would not say he was the first as the Olympics has been in existence for years and the torch has been carried through many parts of the world.

    GIA LANKA Saturday, 11 May 2024 01:01 AM

    WE THE TAMILS OF INDIA

    Victor Balakrishnan Saturday, 11 May 2024 01:03 AM

    Congratulations.

    Sunil Perera Saturday, 11 May 2024 03:15 AM

    This is not correct. In 2000 Olympics, Sydney based Sri Lankan doctor, Siri Kannagara carried the Olympic torch.

    Druvindra Rand Saturday, 11 May 2024 03:56 AM

    God what a mess up, it's a Tamil name. I can imagine the conspiracy theories. Maybe RW was paid something. Oh its soooo against our culture

    Trevor Meynert Saturday, 11 May 2024 04:26 AM

    Congratulations! Amazing achievement

    John Saturday, 11 May 2024 05:06 AM

    Well Done. Sri Lankan hero

    Ylg Saturday, 11 May 2024 05:10 AM

    Great! Hats off to him! At least the SriLankans abroad are doing well. While here we are wasting precious time with corrupt politicians. Wish him all the best for keeping SL on the map.

    Dilip Perera Saturday, 11 May 2024 05:35 AM

    He's not the first Srilankan to carry the torch. Dr .Siri Kannangara from Sydney Australia did the same in 2000 Olympic. Please check the facts before publishing!

    Ranjith Saturday, 11 May 2024 06:18 AM

    Does he identify himself as Sri Lankan?

    Sobers Saturday, 11 May 2024 06:32 AM

    Congratulations. You have made Srilanka proud.

    Sam Saturday, 11 May 2024 07:45 AM

    Congrats! Nice gesture from the French govt/Olympic committee. Lanka can learn from this.

    Mahila Saturday, 11 May 2024 07:57 AM

    “Paris-based Sri Lankan-born baker Tharshan Selvarajah has etched his name into the ANNALS OF HISTORY as the FIRST SRI LANKAN to be BESTOWED WITH THE HONOUR of CARRYING THE ICONIC OLYMPIC torch." With due apologies, MUST DISAGREE with that CONTENTION by DM!!?? In my humble view, if there are no other Takers, that SINGULAR HONOUR should and must be bestowed to Associate Professor, Orthopaedics’ at Sydney University, Dr. Siri Kannangara, for carrying 'THE 2000 SYDNEY OLYMPIC TORCH' - Warringah, SYDNEY - 08/2000!!?? Pictorial evidence should be available in “Warringah Suburban Papers”, the start-off by Torch-Bearer, along with then Commonwealth MP – Tony Abbot. Later PM 2013!!??

    Olympian Saturday, 11 May 2024 07:58 AM

    This claim is incorrect with no offence to Mr Selverajah. In the Sydney 2000 Olympics a prominent Sri Lankan doctor was accorded that privilege. I would not say even then he was the first Sri LankanI to do so. The torch is carried through to many parts of the world and carried by many of different nationalities

    Nishantha Basanayake Saturday, 11 May 2024 09:58 AM

    Well done Tharshan you have earned through your hard work keep up the good work.

    Citizen k Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:17 AM

    The moment Sri Lankans step out of our country their performance increases dramatically.I wonder where we are going wrong?

    Ravana Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:51 AM

    What an amazing point you have raised. Well done

    Citizen justice Sunday, 12 May 2024 12:27 AM

    Yes, I totally agree. Thats why we need two states in one country for improvements. However jealousy among the chauvinistic racist is against it. Why not give at least a trial period of ten years of two states .?

    Mahila Sunday, 12 May 2024 01:46 AM

    The opportunity for this to happen in Sri Lanka is Zero - because "Olympics being held in SL could only remain 'A DREAM' - NEVER A REALITY!!?? Once you become part of a Prominent Developed Country is the only OPPORTUNITY for Sri Lankans!!!??? NO surprises there, as emulated by those in 2000 and 2024!!?? Personally, Unaware of any other instance!?

    Liana Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:38 AM

    Great for him. But, why a baker allowed to carry the torch? Shouldn't it go for sports men and women?

    Sujeban Saturday, 11 May 2024 11:55 AM

    An individual has to register for the nomination and they are basically selected by jury or by draw.

    Mahila Sunday, 12 May 2024 01:37 AM

    IT IS not CONFINED to Sportsman!!!??? But OUTSTANDING individuals of the LOCAL community within the "PLANNED TORCH ROUTE"!!?? Baker, Restaurateur, Businessman, Doctor, Therapist, Teacher, Administrator all included!? Community contribution to SPORTS, to enhance the Appeal, and Recognition of OLYMPICS, in the country EVENT is being held – in this case PARIS, FRANCE!??

    Healthy boy Sunday, 12 May 2024 10:32 AM

    May be to promote Bakery products while engaging in Olympic games, not a good idea. Promote King Coconut or Kurumba instead

    Human Being Sunday, 12 May 2024 10:59 AM

    Being a non French, he learned their cuisine well and had the opportunity to bake loaf of bread for the president, this is the respect they give him to appreciate, Not like Sri Lanka.

    Olympics Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:44 AM

    Congratulations Tharshan, I guess you are the first Thamizhan to hold the Olympics Torch in the history ( Correct me if I am wrong) Such a proud moment for Sri Lankans and Tamilians, Well Done.

    Mahila Sunday, 12 May 2024 01:39 AM

    Absolutely and totally agree, is GREAT!!??

    Karu Saturday, 11 May 2024 11:46 AM

    Most people who are living withing the country or outside, always blame the country for their difficult life, but never do hardworking or even trying to get into demanding career. Just learn from this gentleman.

    Sujeban Saturday, 11 May 2024 11:57 AM

    Congratulation Tharshan. Well deserved.

    Edelquin Saturday, 11 May 2024 03:43 PM

    Congrats bro. Proud of you as a Sri Lankan. May God bless you

    shelliah Saturday, 11 May 2024 03:48 PM

    well done, proud to be a of Sri lankan.

    Tissa Fernando Saturday, 11 May 2024 04:47 PM

    He is a probably a French national , perhaps they selected him on that basis. Our guys are jumping to get some credit but he may not like to be identified as Sri Lankan. But congratulations to him.

    GREAT ACHIEVEMENT Saturday, 11 May 2024 06:04 PM

    CONGRATULATIONS. I PRESUME WHAT THEY MEAN IS THE FIRST SRI LANKAN IN PARIS. MAJORITY OF COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD DO NOT JUDGE A PERSON FOR THEIR CLASS, RACE, FAITH OR EMPLOYMENT AS ALL ARE TREATED AS EQUALS. SAD TO SAY, THOUGH NOT IN OUR COUNTRY.

    Siripalan Nadibadum Saturday, 11 May 2024 06:47 PM

    Well done to save the name of this country!!

    navi Saturday, 11 May 2024 09:54 PM

    This is not correct. There was a young Tamil doctor who was selected to carry the Olympic torch at the London Olympics in recognition of his volunteer services in Africa.

    Tamilselvan Sunday, 12 May 2024 02:18 PM

    Congratulations but your success in France as one of the best baker in France is even more commendable .

    Grace Gunaratne Wednesday, 15 May 2024 07:15 PM

    Congratulations. Brilliant news!


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