CARNAGE has expanded its involvement in sport with the launch of the Carnage Athlete Foundation, an initiative focused on supporting athletes with the potential to compete at national and international levels.
The programme reflects a growing interest among private sector organisations in investing beyond sponsorships and creating pathways for athlete development. Through the Foundation, CARNAGE plans to identify and support individuals who demonstrate talent, discipline and long-term potential.
The initiative was formally introduced under the banner, “Building the Next Generation of Champion Athletes.”
According to the Foundation, the programme is designed to support athletes who combine sporting ability with resilience, character and the determination to inspire others.
Three Athletes Selected for Initial Programme
As part of the launch, the Carnage Athlete Foundation announced three featured athletes whose achievements reflect the goals of the initiative.
Among them is Sujan Perera, Captain of the Sri Lanka National Football Team.
The Foundation said Sujan Perera has demonstrated leadership, technical ability, and a strong competitive mindset throughout his football career. His role as national captain reflects accountability and consistent performance at the highest level of the sport.
The Foundation also selected Khalid Osman, Triathlete, Ironman 70.3 competitor, and Resilience Ambassador.
Khalid lost his eyesight at the age of 26. He later returned to competitive sport and became the first visually impaired individual from Sri Lanka to compete in five Ironman 70.3 events.
His sporting journey includes participation in competitions and marathons held in Paris, Singapore, Japan, Jordan, and Sri Lanka.
Speaking about his journey, Khalid says, “I don’t compete despite my challenges. I compete because of them.”
The third athlete is Darren Sonal Tranchell, a high-performance junior rower from Sri Lanka.
The Foundation said Sonal has built a strong record through participation in local and international competitions across multiple age categories and open events.
Focus on Long-Term Athlete Development
CARNAGE Founder and CEO Joel Tillekeratne said the initiative is focused on creating long-term support systems rather than short-term recognition.
“We’re not interested in short-term inspiration or one-off success stories. What matters to us is what happens over time. The early mornings, the setbacks, the discipline when no one is watching. We’re building long-term systems that take raw talent in Sri Lanka and turn it into world-class performance that can stand on any stage,” Joel Tillekeratne, Founder and CEO of CARNAGE, envisioned.
Support for athlete development has become an important area for private sector involvement, particularly as athletes seek access to funding, training opportunities and international exposure.
Through the Carnage Athlete Foundation, the company aims to create opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen while contributing to the development of future athletic talent.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Last modified: June 21, 2026
