Sri Lanka’s ‘Vaulting Queen’ works as Dubai housemaid to support family at home

Sachini Perera, a top Sri Lankan athlete known as the "Vaulting Queen," has been working as a housemaid in Dubai for the past year to support her family back home. 

 

 

The currency crisis in Sri Lanka and rising medical bills made it difficult for Perera to care for her mother, who requires long-term care. Despite her current job, she dreams of winning gold in pole vaulting and representing her country on the world stage. 

 

 

Perera's situation drew attention, and efforts are being made to find her a sports-related job in Dubai to enable her to focus on training. She has set national pole vaulting records and has remained undefeated since 2018. 

 

 

The economic collapse in Sri Lanka has led many to seek jobs abroad. Perera sends most of her salary home to care for her mother. Despite criticism on social media, Perera wants to speak up for other struggling athletes in Sri Lanka who have won medals for the country. 

 

 

The Sri Lankan government is taking note of her story. It may offer support to help her continue her athletic career.