After a lapse of five years, Sri Lanka Athletics witnessed the emergence of promising talents in the men’s and women’s 4x100m relay squads during the Relay Trials organized for the upcoming inaugural Asian Relay Championship. on April 10 at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, these trials showed off the exceptional performances of new faces, setting the stage for Sri Lanka’s participation in the championship scheduled for May 20 and 21 in Thailand.
Among the impressive performers was Kavindu Chathuranga, clinching the men’s 100m title with a seasonal best of 10.59. Despite his tenure in the sport, Chathuranga’s victory marked a significant breakthrough. Following closely behind was schoolboy Dineth Induwara from Leeeds’ International School Matara, securing second place with a time of 10.61, also a seasonal
best. However, seasoned national champion Chamod Yodasinghe faced adversity due to illness, finishing seventh with a time of 10.72.
In the women’s 100m event, Amasha de Silva lived up to expectations by claiming victory with a time of 11.95. Notably, Tharushi Karunaratne, Asian Games 800m Gold medalist, returned to competition after a six-month hiatus and triumphed in the women’s 400m race, clocking a seasonal best of 53.40.
Her brother, Harsha Karunaratne, also demonstrated his prowess by securing third place in the men’s 400m race. Both siblings are set to represent Sri Lanka at the Asian Relay Championship.
Rumeshika Ratnayake, an Asian Games 200m medalist, exhibited versatility by participating in the women’s 400m event for the first time, securing second place with a personal best time of 54.70, closely trailing Tharushi Karunaratne.
Following their gold medal feat at the 2019 South Asian Games in Nepal, Sri Lanka had abstained from men’s and women’s 4x100m relays in international competitions. However, the resurgence witnessed at the Relay Trials signaled a rejuvenation in Sri Lankan sprinting. Notably, Amasha de Silva remains the sole member from the women’s 4x100m quartet, while Chanuka Dharmakeerthi represents the men’s team, with the remainder comprising fresh talents.
Athletic experts hailed the performance of Sri Lankan sprinters, emphasizing the significant opportunity presented by their success. With only two spots available for the Men’s 4x400m relays and Mixed 4x400m relay at the Olympics, Sri Lanka stands a strong chance to secure a berth for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics through the Asian Relay Championship on May 20 and 21 in Thailand.
In the 100m Men’s event, RPKN Chathuranga emerged victorious with a seasonal best time of 10.59 seconds, closely followed by Dineth Induwara with 10.61 seconds, also a seasonal best. Deneth Senanayake secured third place with a personal best time of 10.62 seconds. The race witnessed intense competition, with Chanuka Dharmakeerthi finishing fourth with 10.63 seconds, and Chalith Piumal also clocking 10.63 seconds, a personal best.
DPH Gamlath finished sixth with a personal best of 10.69 seconds, while Chamod Yodasinghe finished seventh with 10.72 seconds.
In the 100m Women’s category, Amasha Silva claimed victory with a time of 11.95 seconds. Shafiya Yamic secured second place with a seasonal best of 11.99 seconds, followed by Dinara Bandara Dela with 12.21 seconds, also a seasonal best. Anuruddika Muthukumarana finished fourth with 12.27 seconds, alongside HKTD Silva and Medhani Jayamanme, also clocking 12.27 seconds.
Lakshika Sugandi finished seventh with 12.31 seconds, followed by Shenella Seneviratne with 12.41 seconds, and HKDS Ranasgalla with 12.46 seconds. In the 400m Men’s event, Rajitha Rajakaruna claimed victory with a time of 46.72 seconds, followed closely by Dinuka Deshan with 46.74 seconds. Harsha Karunaratna secured third place with 47.20 seconds, followed by Isuru Lakshan with 47.25 seconds and Ishan Maduranga with 47.68 seconds. ASM Safan finished sixth with a personal best time of 48.53 seconds.
Tharushi Karunaratne triumphed in the 400m Women’s race with a seasonal best of 53.40 seconds. Rumeshika Ratnayake showed her talent by securing second place with a personal best of 54.70 seconds. Nishendra Fernando finished third with a seasonal best of 55.95 seconds, followed by Shafiya Yamic with 56.26 seconds, also a personal best. WHM Fernando clocked 56.36 seconds, followed by WKLA Nimali with 56.39 seconds, both achieving seasonal bests. Shanika Lakshani finished seventh with a time of 57.24 seconds.
Sajeewa Jayakody