Leading aircraftman  Tharanga DVGI of the Sri Lanka Air Force Rowing, Canoe & Kayak team has been selected to represent the first ever National Kayak team representing the country at the 15th Asian Canoe & Kayak Championships at Samarqand, Uzbekistan, from 26th to 29th September 2013. He is a member of the four members contingent and will participate at the 200 M K-1 events. He was awarded the Sri Lanka Colours at a simple ceremony held on 19th September 2013 at the Diyawannwa Lake where the Sri Lanka team has been in training for the past six months.

The sport of Kayaking which is relatively new to Sri Lanka was introduced to the Sri Lanka Air Force in 2012 by Wg Cdr KG Dassanayake, and thus the National team comprising of one Airman, two Naval Ratings, accompanied by the National Coach will be of historical significance to the Canoeing and Kayaking sports of Sri Lanka.