The race walking event of the 49th National Sports Festival concluded successfully around the Southern Highway Entrance, Pinnaduwa, Galle. After a highly competitive race, R.M.D. Rukmal of Uva Province and Hashini Lakmali of Southern Province claimed the men’s and women’s gold medals, respectively. During the exhausting event, the walkers covered 20 km distance, and athletes from Southern and North Central Provinces displayed their talent and endurance to clinch team championships in men’s and women’s segments.
The race was started with the signal given by the Director General of the Department of Sports Development, Mr V. Premachandiran, and the Director of Sports, Mr I. P. Wijerathna. The event saw 109 participants (60 male and 39 female) challenging each other for the national title.
- Western Province Men and Southern Province Women crowned as NSF rugby 7s champions
- “Maheesha Dabarera and Nemindi Linaya win NSF 2025 Chess Championships”
- Chandimal and Anne clinch Gold while Western Province dominates at NSF 2025 Cycling
- Herath and Shanmugashwaran run for Golds while Central Province conquers NSF 2025 marathon
Significantly, Southern Province women made a clean sweep in the podium finishes. Talented athlete Hashini Lakmali secured the gold medal by keeping a considerable lead on the rest of the others. She was followed by her teammates, Kalhari Madurika and P. B. Gayani, who clinched silver and bronze medals, respectively.
The gold medal of the men’s race went to Uva Province, and R. M. D. Rukmal displayed a remarkable performance to clinch the glory. There was a tight competition for the silver medal, while Imantha Sahan of Southern Province had the last laugh to secure the silver medal. D. T. Dhanushka of North Central Province had to be satisfied with a bronze after an excellent fighting performance.
The presentation ceremony was graced with the presence of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, and the veteran athletics coach Ms. Surekha Manchanayake had done remarkable work as the chief organizer of the event.
Gold Medal Winners – Rukmal (Uva) and Hashini Lakshani (Southern)
Final Results – Men’s Race Walking Event
01 R. M. D. Rukmal Uva Province 1:38.34
02 D.G. Imantha Sahan Southern Province 1:39.05
03 D. M. T. S. S. Dunukara North Central Province 1:39.22
04 H. M. S. R. Herath North Central Province 1:42.50
05 P. H. S. Fernando North Western Province 1:43.48.
06 W. M. R. C. Welikubura North Western Province 1:44.15
07 Y. S. Wimalasooriya Southern Province 1:44.59
08 T. G. S. Niroshan Appuhami Western Province 1:45.42
09 S. G. Chandika Central Province 1:46.24
10 W. G. Chathura Sampath Southern Province 1:46.47
Team Championship – North Central Province
Final Results – Women’s Race Walking Event
01 T. V. Hashini Lakshani Southern Province 1:49.25
02 U. V. Kalhari Madurika Southern Province 1:51.08
03 P. B. Gayani Southern Province 1:52.30
04 J. K. K. Malshi Chathumini Uva Provine 2:00.49
05 K. G. G. S. Abethissa Central Province 2:07.39
06 H. H. Dilini Sadareka Southern Province 2:18.37
07 K. Ravisha Southern Province 2:20.09
08 J. Thamizharasi Northern Province 2:21.40
09 K. M. Sachini Darshika Eastern Province 2:23.21
10 R. Danushiya Northern Province 2:29.11
Team Championship – Southern Province
