The 2025 edition of the Junior National Athletics Championship concluded on a triumphant note yesterday, June 15th at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Diyagama, following four days of intense and rain-soaked competition. This year’s championship saw an unprecedented 34 new records being established across various age categories, marking a significant milestone in the development of youth athletics in Sri Lanka and just how incredibly the sport has developed in such a short period of time.
Despite the challenges posed by persistent monsoon rains, the event showcased extraordinary performances from hundreds of young athletes who represented schools and sports clubs from all parts of the island. The spirit, skill, and strength on display proved that the next generation of Sri Lankan track and field stars is already making waves.
Record-Breaking Highlights
Across the Under-16, Under-18, Under-20, and Under-23 age groups, both boys and girls delivered standout performances, rewriting national junior records in sprints, distance races, jumps, and throwing events. These records are listed below:
Boys’ Record Highlights:
- Under-23
- 200m: Indusara Vidushan – 21.34 sec
- Javelin Throw: Rumesha Tharanga – 82.93m
- Discus & Shot Put: S.K. Mithunraj – 47.50m / 43.26m
- Triple Jump (equalled record): Malith Yasiru – 16.13m
- Under-20
- 200m: Idupa Silva – 21.23 sec
- 400m & 400m Hurdles: Ayomal Akalanka – 46.46 sec / 50.20 sec
- 3000m & 3000m Steeplechase: Elango Vikirthan – 8:32.7 / 9:25.81
- Shot Put: Vimaladas Nidarshan – 41.50m
- Under-18
- 400m: I.M. Bogoda – 47.58 sec
- 1500m & 3000m: Lahiru Achintha – 4:00.47 / 8:42.85
- 110m Hurdles: Pawan Bimsara – 14.08 sec
- Triple Jump: J.L. Jenkins – 15.50m
- Under-16
- 100m Hurdles: W.D.N.D. Fernando – 13.17 sec
- 300m Hurdles: W.N.E. Silva – 39.73 sec
- Shot Put: S.M. Karunarathna – 40.70m
Girls’ Record Highlights:
- Under-23
- 400m Hurdles: L.G.A. Sathsarani – 1:00.42 min
- Long Jump: I.S.W. Arachchi – 6.02m
- Under-20
- Pole Vault: Selvarasa Nirusika – 3.40m
- Under-18
- 100m & 200m: Dhananjana Fernando – 12.02 sec / 24.45 sec
- 1500m: Tharushi Abhisheka – 4:33.85 min
- High Jump: Mihinsa Devmini – 1.74m
- Triple Jump: Dilki Nehara – 12.44m
- Shot Put: Shalomi Jayakody – 40.81m
- Under-16
- 400m: Chenadi Devera – 57.33 sec
- 100m Hurdles: Lakshya Sandali – 15.31 sec
- 300m Hurdles: G.R. Dharmadasa – 45.99 sec
- 3000m Steeplechase: Lehara Samindi – 17:33.6 min
- Long Jump & Triple Jump: Dilini Rajapaksha – 5.96m / 11.66m
- Javelin Throw: Dilki Devmini – 12.68m
There were many outstanding performances that were recognized. As part of the closing ceremony, special awards were presented to the most outstanding male and female athletes in each age group. These young stars not only stood out in their individual events but also demonstrated consistency, resilience, and sportsmanship.
- Best Male Athlete (U16):Dheneth Kaushith – D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo
- Best Female Athlete (U16):Dilini Rajapaksha – Lyceum International School, Wattala
- Best Male Athlete (U18):Pawan Bimsara – Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya
- Best Female Athlete (U18):Dhananjana Fernando – Lyceum International School, Wattala
- Best Male Athlete (U20):Ayomal Akalanka – Ambagamuwa Central College
- Best Female Athlete (U20):Takshima Nuhansa – Matara Central College
- Best Male Athlete (U23):Rumesha Tharanga
- Best Female Athlete (U23):Madushani Herath
The Best Performance of the Championship:
Ayomal Akalanka was awarded for the best overall individual performance, particularly for his exceptional run in the 400m hurdles, which stunned spectators and judges alike.
A Bright Future for Sri Lankan Athletics
The 2025 Junior National Athletics Championship reaffirmed the potential and depth of young athletic talent in Sri Lanka, that is now also being showcased on an international stage. With so many new records and remarkable performances across all disciplines, the event served as a launchpad for athletes who will likely go on to represent Sri Lanka on the rapidly-developing international stage in the years to come, and we wish them all the best.
As the dust settles on Diyagama’s track, the message is clear: Sri Lanka’s sporting future is in safe hands.
Stay tuned with ThePapare.com – the nation’s number one sports platform – for continuous updates, athlete features, and expert coverage on everything to do with the world of track and field.
