The annual Junior National Athletics Championship 2025 commenced with much excitement and promise on Thursday, June 12th, at the Diyagama Staduim in Colombo. From its very first day, the event witnessed not only fierce competition among Sri Lanka’s budding athletic talents but also the setting of multiple new junior national and meet records. This shows us just how high the standard of athletics has become, especially among young talents.
A Star-Studded Opening Day
One of the main highlights of Day 1 was the Under-20 Boys’ 400m Hurdles, where Ayomal Akalanka emerged as the gold medalist. Clocking an impressive time of 50.30 seconds, Akalanka not only secured first place but also established a new Junior National Record, etching his name into the history of Sri Lankan athletics.
- Ritzbury Relay Carnival 2025 – Day 1
- Get ready to witness the future of Sri Lankan Athletics
- Photos – National Youth Para Athletic Championship 2025 – Day 1
Another standout performance came from Nimesh Silva of St. Mary’s College, Chilaw, who competed in the Under-16 Boys’ 300m Hurdles. He completed his race in 39.73 seconds, setting a new meet record in the process. In the same age category, Didula Fernando, also from St. Mary’s, sprinted his way into the record books in the 100m Hurdles, finishing in just 13.17 seconds, breaking a record that had only been newly established during the heats by Okash de Silva of Mahinda College, Galle.
Beyond the hurdles, several other events also witnessed record-breaking performances across multiple events. In the Under-16 Boys’ Javelin Throw, S.M. Karunarathna of Taxila College, Horana, showcased his prowess by throwing 40.68 meters, marking another new meet record.
In the field events for girls, Dilini Rajapaksha of Lyceum International School, Wattala, leapt an impressive 5.96 meters in the Under-16 Girls’ Long Jump, setting a fresh meet record. Meanwhile, Dilki Karunarathna excelled in the Girls’ Under-16 Shot Put, reaching a distance of 12.68 meters, and rewriting the meet record for that event.
In the Under-18 Girls’ High Jump, Mihinsa Devmini of President’s College, Ratnapura, cleared 1.74 meters, another meet record in what was an electrifying display of talent. Her counterpart in the Under-18 Girls’ Javelin Throw, Shalomi Jayakody from Taxila College, Horana, hurled the javelin 40.81 meters, claiming yet another record.
It seems as though there are Rising Stars across all age divisions. The Under-18 Boys’ High Jump saw Tharush Mendis from Lyceum International School, Wattala, clinch victory with a stellar performance. In the Under-23 Girls’ 200m, Pahasara Kivindi representing the Sri Lanka Army, showcased her sprinting ability to claim the top spot.
Meanwhile, P.G.M.S. Gunathilaka of St. Joseph’s College, Kegalle, triumphed in the Under-20 Girls’ 100m Hurdles, while W.P.S. Kosala, also from the Sri Lanka Army, secured gold in the Under-23 Boys’ 110m Hurdles, demonstrating the continuing strength of military athletes in national athletics.
With the third day of the championship set to unfold today, June 14, anticipation continues to grow as athletes gear up to break even more records. The competition so far has been a showcase of sheer dedication, talent, and competitive spirit among Sri Lanka’s future athletic stars.
ThePapare, Sri Lanka’s premier sports media platform, remains committed to bringing all the latest updates, highlights, and coverage of this prestigious national championship. Stay tuned as the nation’s next generation of champions rise to the occasion and make history at Diyagama!
