Shines as a Rising Star: Silver Medal with Personal Best at First Overseas Meet
In a remarkable display of talent and determination, L. G. Araliya Sathsarani from Ratnapura has emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s most promising young athletes, winning a silver medal in the Women’s 400m Hurdles at her very first international competition — the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championship.
The 21-year-old hurdler from R/ Sumana Balika Vidyalaya, Ratnapura, achieved a personal best of 59.24 seconds, marking a new milestone in her athletic journey. Her achievement not only brought pride to her hometown of Batugedara, Ratnapura, but also highlighted her potential to become a future star in Sri Lankan athletics.
Araliya’s rise to prominence is a story of perseverance and passion. Starting her athletic career back in 2013, competing in the 60m sprint, she gradually transitioned into hurdling — a discipline that would later define her sporting identity.
Her early foundation was built under the guidance of her first coaches, Sujeewa Nilmini Jayasena and B. R. Palitha Samarasekara, who helped her develop her speed and technique. Today, she continues her training under the mentorship of Rohitha Gunarathna, who has been instrumental in refining her form and improving her performance times.
Coming from a humble family — her father is a driver, and she has one brother and one sister — Araliya’s journey to success has been powered by dedication and family support. Despite limited resources, her determination and commitment to training have made her one of the standout athletes in Sri Lanka’s current track and field circuit.
Her 2025 season has been particularly impressive, showing consistent improvement across major national events:
1st National Trial Championship – 61.30 sec
2nd National Trial Championship – 60.40 sec
Junior National Athletic Championship – 60.40 sec
National Athletic Championship – 59.28 sec
Defense Services Championship – 59.40 sec
National Sports Festival – 61.60 sec
These performances culminated in her silver medal-winning run at the South Asian Championship — a result that cements her as one of the brightest young prospects in women’s 400m hurdles.
As she continues to train and chase new goals, Araliya Sathsarani represents the next generation of Sri Lankan athletics — one driven by resilience, hard work, and the dream of bringing glory to her nation.
