Three Sri Lankan athletes ‘disappear’ from Commonwealth Games

A wrestler, judo star and judo coach have not been seen since Monday

Three Athletes from Sri Lanka have reportedly gone missing from the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. As reported by the Mirror, a wrestler, judo star and judo coach have not been seen since Monday, with the trio having previously surrendered their passports - meaning they are unable to leave the UK. It is thought that officials have since removed documents from all remaining members of the Sri Lankan team. The Sri Lankan team, which is made up of 161 athletes and coaching staff, were all granted 180-day visas by the government ahead of the Games in Birmingham. Sri Lankan team spokesperson Gobinath Sivarajah said: "We have asked all athletes and officials to submit their passports to our respective venue officials in all the villages after the incident. "The police are investigating and the three cannot cross the UK borders. What has happened is really unfortunate." https://twitter.com/BasnayakeM/status/1555086429549903873

State of emergency declared in Sri Lanka

With a state of emergency having been declared in Sri Lanka - which comes amid a string of protests across the country - it is feared that the trio of 'missing athletes' have 'vanished' in a bid to avoid returning to Sri Lanka. It is believed that food, medicine and fuel are beginning to run out, with the country in the midst of its worst economic crisis for more than 70 years. Sri Lanka has won three medals at this year's Games in Birmingham - Palitha Bandara claimed silver in the men's discus throw F44/64, while Dilanka Isuru Kumara and Yupun Abeykoon each won bronze in the men's 55kg weightlifting and men's 100 metres respectively. Related links:

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