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by Bernard Perera

A sports festival to celebrate the Sinhala-Hindu New Year organised by Prof. G. L. Peiris Foundation will be held today at P. D. Sirisena grounds, Maligawatte commencing at 7 a.m.

The main events for the day will be the half marathon open race for men and women and the standard cycle race for men. These details were disclosed at a press briefing held at the Athletic Association Auditorium on Wednesday, by Dayasiri Jayasekera, private secretary to the Minister of Constitutional Affairs, Enterprise Development, Investment Promotion and Industrial Policy Prof. G. L. Peiris.

Speaking further he said the two major events will be conducted by the governing bodies for the sport, Athletics Association of Sri Lanka and the Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka. Why we decided to give them the full control was that they are capable of running these events according to its rules without any hindrance.

If we the organisers take over this job we may face many technical problems as such it is most suitable for them to arrange this he said. He also said "that two events which carry big cash awards in addition to trophies are open events. This has given us the opportunity to name the marathon as 'Peace Marathon'.

We hope to have over 400 entrants for the event participating from all parts of the country. As sports is considered a bridge to bring peace among communities this will help bring all of them together in sports, which could also help the ongoing peace process to clear differences he added.

He thanked the AA and the Cycling Federation for giving all the assistance in organising these events properly. Chief organiser Jayasekera made a special mention of Anil Koswatte Chairman of Lanka Cement and Abans Ltd for coming forward to sponsor the event.

Prema Pinnawala Secretary Athletic Association giving details on the marathon said the event will cover a distance of 15 kilometres also could serve as a trial to pick runners for the national pool. With this in mind we will do official timing for both men and women's events.

The men's event is scheduled to commence at P. D. Sirisena ground and the women who participate in the marathon will commence their race opposite Vajirarama Viharaya, Bambalapitiya. He requests all willing to compete to get themselves registered today at the starting point. Registration is due to commence from 7.30 a.m. He said this sort of events could bring out the hidden talent which is the most needed thing the governing body wants.

Carl Gunewardene Chief Executive Officer, Cycling Federation, spelling out the details of the standard cycle race said the event is expected to be hotly contested as it is an open event. The riders who will be flagged off from Maligawatte will pass through Nugegoda, Maharagama, Homagama, Kaluaggala, Kosgama and reach Avissawella on the High Level Road and return via Kaluaggala, Kosgama and ride on the Low Level Road from Pahathgama junction and pass through Hanwella, Kaduwella, Weliwita, Kolonnawa before reaching the finish line.

He said this sort of events need lot of support from police and other services. They assured all assistance needed for this, he said. He thanked Prof. G. L. Peiris Foundation for handing over a big task on them.

Winners of this three major events are to receive big cash awards along with trophies.

There will be many other events conducted throughout the day. Another interesting event on the day will be the bullock cart race for which already over 50 entries received.

Minister of Constitutional Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris will be the chief guest and will give away awards along with other guests of honour Prasanna Goonewardene Mayor of Colombo, and Members of Western Provincial Council and Municipal Councillors.

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