The Sri Lanka University Games (SLUG), a much-anticipated occasion, takes place in a triennial rotation among Sri Lankan State Universities, uniting athletes from various regions of the nation. This year the Eastern University, Sri Lanka, was honoured to be hosting the esteemed 14th Sri Lanka University Games (SLUG).
The University of Colombo’s Weightlifting team participated in the SLUG 2023 Weightlifting which was held on the 2nd & 3rd of September at Eastern University premises.
With fierce determination & fighting spirit University of Colombo emerged as the Men’s Overall Champions. This achievement comes after a championship hiatus of multiple decades for Colombo Weightlifting in the SLUG or Inter Uni stage.
The Women’s Team secured four bronze medals. Namely Lihini Jayaratne (Women’s 45kg: 2nd Runner-up), Dhanushi Pathirana (Women’s 59kg: 2nd Runner-up), Ann Rodrigo (Women’s 71kg: 2nd Runner-up) & Rusangika Chamodini (Women’s +87kg: 2nd Runner-up).
The Men’s Team managed to secure three gold medals, two silver medals & two bronze medals. Pathum Kumara (Men’s 61kg: 2nd Runner-up), Senith Perera (Men’s +109kg: 2nd Runner-up), Akila Jayakody (Men’s 81kg: 1st Runner-up), Lakindu Perera (Men’s 67kg: 1st Runner-up), Sehara Sankaja (Men’s 102kg: Champion), Ashen Wijerathne (Men’s 73kg: Champion) & Pasindu Malawana (Men’s 96kg: Champion).
An outstanding performance was displayed by Pasindu Malawana where he set new SLUG records for Snatch, Clean & Jerk and Total in the Men’s 96kg category. Ashen Wijerathne was able to set a new SLUG record in the Snatch lift under the Men’s 73kg category. Furthermore, Sehara Sankaja registered a new SLUG record in the Snatch in the Men’s 102kg category under his name.
The university administration ensured that the team had all the necessary facilities. Vice Chancellor Senior Professor H.D. Karunaratne, Chairman of the Sports Advisory Board Dr Kapila Bandara, Acting Director of the Department of Physical Education Mr Sanjeewa Jayasinghe, Instructors in Charge Mr Sujan Walgampaya, Mr Kavindu Abeysinghe & all the past lifters have supported the team to achiev this success.
