Sri Lanka’s contingent for the World Athletics Championship 2025—comprising three athletes and two coaches—arrived in Tokyo, Japan . The championship will be held from September 13 to 21, featuring the world’s elite in track and field.
The team includes javelin throwers Rumesh Tharanga and Sumedha Ranasinghe, both of whom earned direct qualification, and 400m runner Nadeesha Ramanayaka, who received a universality placement.
Aged 30, Nadeesha Ramanayaka is a former Asian Championship gold medalist in the 400m and trains under Coach W.G. Thushara. She holds a personal best of 52.61 seconds and has collected multiple medals in regional relay events. Despite early-season setbacks, she bounced back with a seasonal best of 52.63 seconds to win the National Championship, fending off rising competition. Heats of her event will be held on Sunday 14th at 3.55pm.
In the men’s category, Sri Lanka will be represented by two of its finest javelin throwers. Sumedha Ranasinghe, 34, coached by Pradeep Nishantha, famously became the first Sri Lankan to throw beyond 80m, setting a national record of 83.03m at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Though his form dipped in recent years, he remained a consistent performer, earning SAG medals and competing at multiple World Championships.
Ranasinghe faced fierce domestic competition last year when Rumesh Tharanga, 22, emerged with a string of throws over 80m. In early 2025, Tharanga broke Ranasinghe’s long-standing record with a throw of 85.41m in Australia. Ranasinghe responded just a week later, reclaiming the record with 85.78m at the Sri Lanka Open Stage 2, securing his Tokyo spot by surpassing the direct qualification mark of 85.50m.
Tharanga, coached by Tony Prasanna, has made a meteoric rise. His throw of 86.50m last month not only earned him a ticket to Tokyo but also placed him 10th in the world rankings for 2025. Only six athletes have thrown further this year, making Tharanga one of Sri Lanka’s most promising global contenders since Susanthika Jayasinghe’s prime.
Javelin throw qualification will take place on September 17, with Group A scheduled for 3:40 PM and Group B at 5:15 PM. Group allocations are yet to be confirmed.
Both Pradeep Nishantha and Tony Prasanna have accompanied their athletes to Tokyo, ensuring full support as Sri Lanka prepares to compete on the world stage.