Susanthika leaves for USA

OLYMPIC medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe will leave for the United States later next week to undergo intensive training with her former coach Tony Campbell, who guided the Lankan lass to win women's 200m bronze at the Sydney Games.

Her husband Dhammika Nandakumara said yesterday that Jayasinghe, who was to fly to the USA this week, had to put off her departure by a week as she was suffering from flu.

Jayasinghe is due to leave Sri Lanka after January 15. She has been granted Rs. one million from the National Sports Fund and the President's Fund for her proposed training.

President Mahinda Rajapakse has directed to grant Rs. 400,000 from the President's fund while Sports Minister Jeevan Kumaratunga has released Rs. 600,000 from National Sports Fund after Jayasinghe requested funds for her intensive training.

The 31-year-old Sri Lanka woman sprinter will train under American Campbell in Los Angeles and will prepare for the Asian Games scheduled for later this year. - (D.W)