Perera - new Sri Lanka record
 

BY CHRIS Dhambarage reporting from Matale

GAYAN Perera of North Western Province set up a new Sri Lanka record on the second day of the 31st National Sports Festival continued at the Bernard Aluvihare Stadium in Matale yesterday.

Gayan Perera stole the limelight with an outstanding performance in the men's discus throw final where he cleared a good distance of 53.08 metres while erasing the previous best of 52.79 metres set by T. F. Alailima in 2003.

He also shattered the Sports Festival record of 51.59 metres which was also held by T. F. Alailima in 2002. In the women's basketball tournament final Western Province defeated North Western Province 78-46 with Premila Fernando of Western Province selected as the most outstanding player.

In the men's soccer tournament final Western Province edged out Sabaragamuwa Province by a solitary goal with M. Isaddin netting the matchwinning goal.

Meanwhile Western Province took an early lead in the overall medals tally in their attempt to retain the President's trophy for another year. They have already collected a total of 115 medals including 49 gold, 33 silver and 33 bronze medals.

They are followed by Central Province who have won 27 gold medals, 34 silver and 31 bronze medals for an overall tally of 92 medals.

The third placed North Western Province are well behind with just 46 medals including 11 gold, 16 silver and 19 bronze medals. North Central Province are placed fourth with seven gold, eight silver and eleven bronze medals.

Sabaragamuwa Province are placed fifth with seven gold medals, eight silver and 15 bronze medals while Southern Province are placed sixth with six gold medals, nine silver medals and 12 bronze medals.

North Eastern Province have won only three gold medals and two bronze medals while Uva Province are placed last with just two gold medals, one silver and 11 bronze medals.

The Sports Festival will be continued today with a total of 18 finals in the track and field events to be worked off at the Bernard Aluvihare Stadium.