Sports
Story behind Shanika’s record breaking feat
The team trained by Madura Perera. Back row from left: Piyumika Weerathisun, Ayan Thushara, Lahiru Sampath, Madura Perera (Coach), Chandima Sadaruwan, Himantha Kavidu, Sadun Krishantha. Front row from left: Charuni Pramudika, Samanthika Liyanage, Shanika Lakshani, Sureka Sewwandhi, Nawodhaya Madushani, Shiwanthi Jayathilaka And Saumaya Dilrukshi.
by Reemus Fernando
Hailing from a not so well to do family from Gampaha, Shanika Lakshani had many an obstacle to overcome before she shattered the 35 year old Junior National record held by Dammika Menike at the last month’s National Athletics Championships. Probably the most challenging one was the Covid 19 forced lockdown strictly enforced in the Gampaha District following the outbreak of the second wave of the pandemic. According to her coach Madura Perera who has been training a team of nearly 30 athletes, months of hard work behind preparing athletes for the National Championship, would have gone wasted if not for the extra effort taken to continue training amidst the pandemic.
“Unavailability of training facilities was the biggest obstacle during the pandemic. With grounds and training facilities shutdown it was difficult to continue training. I and Chandana Amarasinghe requested support to conduct residential training at the Subodhi Ground, Gampaha so that training could continue without interruption. Our request was given special attention to by the Additional District Secretary Sugath Kithsiri, who got the approval from health authorities to conduct training,” said Perera who considers it as one of the cornerstones of the success of his team.
Shanika Lakshani who broke the 35 year old Junior National record of Dammika Menike poses with her coach Madura Perera. (Pix by Kamal Wanniarachchi)
At a time when sport is not high in the agenda of many government officials, the support given by the Additional District Secretary of Gampaha is highly commendable.
“He not only gave us permission but also found couple of sponsors to look after the extra nutritional needs of athletes. It was athletes who bore the costs of food but Mr. Sugath Kithsiri went out of his way to help us reduce costs,” said Perera.
Perera said that the residential camp has also helped him address nutritional issues of some athletes. He said it wouldn’t have been possible had they been taken care of by their parents.
Many athletes give up sports due to the negligence of authorities. Support does not only mean big time sponsorships as it is proven in the case of Perera’s team. The support given by the government official was crucial in Shanika reaching the standard to break the more than three decades old junior national record. She not only broke the record but also came almost close to achieving entry standards for the World Under-20 Championships in two disciplines. It was a huge confidence boost for junior athletes who not only missed competitions but also training opportunities during the pandemic.
When Shanika broke Dammika Menike’s record she was just five seconds behind the entry standard for 1500 metres. In the 800 metres she missed the entry standard by just milliseconds.
Madura Perera is confident that Shanika Lakshani would reach entry standards for the World Junior Championships during the next few months.
Perera is confident that his charge would achieve the entry standard during the next National Championships in April or the Junior National Championships both of which are scheduled within the qualifying period.
While Shanika Lakshani hogged limelight breaking a junior record, there were few other athletes trained by Perera who had their own success.
Though a number of them missed medals they had been able to finish among the top athletes. A fresher Gayan Thushara who was placed fifth in the 400 metres hurdles and Shivanthi Jayathilaka who was placed fifth in the women’s 200 metres have shown lot of promise.
Triple jumper Sandun Krishantha, steeplechase athlete M.S. Sewwandi, long distance runner Dilhani Liyanage and hurdler Lahiru Sampath are among the other athletes who have impressed in their pet events at other national level competitions.
At a time when the contribution of sports officers for the development of sports is questioned, the way this team has overcome barriers is exemplary.
by Rex Clementine
The Sri Lankan cricket camp breathed a collective sigh of relief yesterday as middle-order batter Kamindu Mendis was given the all-clear for the upcoming two-match Test series against Australia. However, the news wasn’t as encouraging for top-order batter Pathum Nissanka, whose participation in the first Test in Galle remains hanging by a thread.
Kamindu had split the webbing on his hand while attempting a catch during the First-Class encounter between CCC and SSC at Maitland Place. Meanwhile, Pathum is still on the mend after sustaining a groin strain during the final ODI against New Zealand in Auckland.
Should Nissanka fail to prove his fitness, Oshada Fernando is expected to fill his place. The right-hander has been in fine fettle, earning a call-up to the senior squad after his match-winning century against South Africa ‘A’. However, he has been warming the bench so far, with the selectors opting to stick with a settled batting unit in their quest for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Kamindu’s availability is a timely boost for the team, given his prolific run-scoring exploits. Last year, he joined an elite club, becoming one of just six batters to notch up over 1,000 Test runs, rubbing shoulders with modern greats such as Joe Root and Kane Williamson.
Meanwhile, The Island understands that selectors are set to hold discussions with former captains Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne this week regarding their future. With Mathews turning 38 this year and Dimuth closing in on 37, the selectors have a tough call to make as they look ahead to the new WTC cycle. The burning question remains – will they stick with these battle-hardened warhorses, or will fresh legs be drafted in after the Australia series?
The upcoming series could well be the duo’s swansong. The second Test in Galle will mark a significant milestone for Dimuth, as he is set to play his 100th Test. However, his form has been under the scanner; since scoring a century against Ireland in April 2023, the left-handed opener has been starved of three-figure scores, going through a lean patch that has now stretched to 23 innings.
Dimuth’s numbers in the current WTC cycle don’t paint a rosy picture – 525 runs at a modest average of 25, with four half-centuries to his name. Mathews, though unable to reach the elusive hundred, fared slightly better, accumulating six half-centuries and averaging 35.
Meanwhile, back-to-back half-centuries in the domestic circuit have seen all-rounder Sonal Dinusha earn a spot in the Test squad. The left-arm spinner has been turning heads with consistent performances both in domestic cricket and for Sri Lanka ‘A’, making a strong case for selection.
Under 19 Division I Cricket
by Reemus Fernando
Isipatana concluded the group stage of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ cricket tournament as leaders of their group after the rain hampered encounter against Dharmaraja ended in a no decision at Colts ground on Monday.
The team captained by Lesandu Kalpage ended up with an aggregate of 93.31 points after their eighth and final group match produced no result. The no decision in their last encounter will however leave them in danger of losing the top position as Sri Sumangala and St. Aloysius’ who are following them closely have at least one more match in the tournament.
During the tournament proper, Isipatana beat St. Anthony’s Wattala by nine wickets, beat St. Sylvester’s by an innings and 44 runs and beat Wesley by nine wickets. Their other results included a first innings win against De Mazenod, a first innings defeat (Sri Sumangala) and a six wicket defeat at the hands of St. Aloysius’. Their match against Devapathiraja too ended in a no decision.
By finishing as table leaders, the team coached by Heshan Thilakaratne are certain of a quarter-final place.
The final match saw skipper Kalpage producing his best performance with the bat in the tournament as he top scored with 80 run for them to post 251 runs. In their essay Dharmaraja were 124 for four wickets at stumps.
One of Sri Lanka’s leading freight forwarding and logistics companies CL Synergy Limited has come forward as the principal sponsor of the CL Synergy SSC Open 2025 Tennis Championships. The SSC Open 2025 which commenced on Friday (17th January) at the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) tennis courts is a major open ranking tennis tournament and a Category 1 event. It is the first event of the calendar year, with over 800 players takjng part
The Principal Sponsor CL Synergy Limited’s Managing Director, Mr. Roshan Silva, had this to say regarding the prestigious tournament and the company’s commitment to elevating and encouraging the growth of Tennis in Sri Lanka: “as the principal sponsor of the CL Synergy SSC Open 2025, CL Synergy Limited takes immense pride in supporting this highly esteemed event. Just as in sports, success in the global logistics industry requires agility, strategic thinking, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. At CL Synergy, we strive to be leaders in our field, constantly innovating and adapting to the ever-evolving demands of international trade. We believe in fostering a competitive spirit and supporting initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and community engagement. We wish all participants the very best in this exciting competition.”
This championship is conducted under the supervision of the governing body of the sport, the Sri Lanka Tennis Association, and organized by the SSC Tennis House Committee. It continues to maintain the traditions and culture of the Singhalese Sports Club, a prestigious sporting entity that has contributed to the rise of multiple sporting stars throughout its 126-year journey.
The Chairman of the SSC Tennis House Committee Aasiri Iddamalgoda highlighted the historical significance of this tennis tourney which has gained prominence for its continued efforts to maintain standards.
“This highly sought after tournament, which has been around for over 50 years, has seen young talent showcase their potential in front of ardent crowds. Their victories have resulted in them being household names in the tennis community in Sri Lanka. Some have even used this as a stepping stone in moving on to test their abilities on the international stage. This has also been a platform for the junior players to prepare for their respective international tournaments such as the World Juniors, Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup.”
This year the Championship comprises girls and boys events from under 12 to under 18 (Singles and Doubles), Men’s and Women’s Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, and Veterans events for over 35, over 45, and over 55 age groups. Reigning national champion Apna Perera, former Men’s and Women’s National Champions Ashen Silva and Rukshika Weerasekara are among the top players to compete in this tournament.
Along with the Principal sponsor, CL Synergy Limited, 3 G Sports (HEAD Tennis Balls) and Perera and Sons (P&S) – long-standing supporters of the SSC Open Tennis Championships –– have continued their support as the Co-Sponsors for this event. YETI will be the official hydration partner and a Co-Sponsor of the event.
Shehara Medawala serves as the tournament referee with Aruna Seneviratne and Chammika De Silva serving as the Tournament Directors.
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