Ayomal, Jithma Shine with Best Athlete Honors
Ayomal Akalanka and Jithma Wijethunga were crowned Best Athletes for their lightning-fast performances in the 400m at the Sir John Tarbat Senior Athletics Championship, which concluded at Diyagama.
Ayomal, representing Ambagamuwa Central College, clocked 46.59 seconds to win the Under-20 boys’ 400m — his second sub-47 run this season. Known for his dominance in the 400m hurdles, Ayomal only began focusing on flat 400m races this year, having posted a personal best of 46.46 seconds just two months ago.
Trained by Coach Anura Bandara, who also mentored Deputy Sports Minister Sugath Thilakarathne during his prime, Ayomal had already made headlines a day earlier by winning gold in the 400m hurdles with a new meet record of 50.51 seconds.
Meanwhile, Jithma Wijethunga of Lyceum International School, Wattala clocked 53.87 seconds to win the Under-20 girls’ 400m — her second sub-54 performance this year, securing her the Best Female Athlete award.
Championship
Maris Stella College, Thibirigaskatuwa continued their impressive rise in school athletics, clinching the boys’ championship title for the first time. Their senior branch, Maris Stella College, Negombo, a multiple-time champion, slipped to fifth place as the Thibirigaskatuwa unit surged ahead with 115 points, edging out St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena (103 points) and Lyceum International School, Wattala (94.5 points).
In the girls’ category, Lyceum Wattala dominated with 239 points, well ahead of A. Rathnayaka CC, Walala (158 points) and Dharmapala College, Pannipitiya (82 points).
A total of 26 new meet records were set during the championship, showcasing the rising talent across age groups.
Among the standout performances, Saad Faleel of Gateway College, Kandy emerged as the fastest male athlete of the meet, clocking 10.57 seconds in the Under-20 boys’ 100m to set a new record.
On the girls’ side, Dhananjana Fernando of Lyceum International School, Wattala blazed through the Under-18 girls’ 100m in 11.88 seconds, also a meet record.
Awards List
- Best Long Jumper – T. Sandil (St. Peter’s College, Colombo) – 7.51m
- Best High Jumper – Tharusha Mendis (Lyceum International School) – 2.15m
- Best 400m Runner – Ayomal Akalanka (Ambagamuwa CC) – 46.59s
- Best Athlete – Boys – Ayomal Akalanka (Ambagamuwa CC) – 400m – 46.59s
- Best Athlete – Girls – Jithma Wijethunga (Lyceum Wattala) – 400m – 53.88s
Overall Championship
Girls Championship
- Lyceum International School Wattala 239 points
- A.Rathnayaka CC Walala 158 points
- Dharmapala College Pannipitiya 82 points
Boys Championship
- Maris Stella College Thibirigaskatuwa 115 points
- St. Benedict’s College Kotahena 103 points
- Lyceum International School Wattala 94.5 points
