NSF should be example of strength - President Rajapaksa

Yasaratne GAMAGE

The 37th National Sports Festival should be an example of strength and discipline to the whole world and the victory should be a combination of speed, courage, discipline and unity, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the opening ceremony of the festival at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Sports Complex yesterday.

Addressing the sportsmen and sportswomen who were present at the occasion, from every nook and corner of the island representing all provinces, the President also stressed that through sports, one learns to bear victory and defeat which is of utmost importance for the life to face different types of experiences.

President also noted that the government wants to bring the rural yet talented youth to the national level. President Rajapaksa also requested the zonal and provincial sports authorities to work in dedication in order to bring victories to our motherland.

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage speaking at the occasion expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to President and all those who sweat for the development of sports.

National high jump champion, southern rocket Manjula Kumara renewed his own meet record by adding another height of 2 centimetres to set up a new National Sports Festival record, 2.20 metres in the men’s high jump on the opening day.

Earlier in the morning, Sachith Maduranga of Western province entered the record book when he speared a distance of 73.47 metres in the men’s javelin throw, erasing the existing record held by P K Aluvihare, 68.89 metres which was established 11 years ago. Former national champion Lakshan Dayarante became the runner up by throwing a distance of 70.36 metres.

In the men’s 4 x100 relay Southern Province finished third but were disqualified due to batten changing fault and had to give their place to Uwa Province.

[Winners]

Men’s 10000 metres:

D L Samarajeewa - 31m. 15.0 sconds - Central Province

Women’s triple jump:

Ruwini Rubasinghe - 12.83 metres - Southern Province

Men’s javelin throw:

S Maduranga - 73.47 metres - Southern Province

Men’s high jump:

Manjula Kumara Wijesekara - 2.20 metres - Southern Province Women’s discuss throw

S K Wijesekara - 43.19 metres - North Central Province

Women’s 5000 metres:

Gayanthika Abeyratne - 17m 00.46 seconds - Southern Province

Men’s 800 metres:

Kumara Mendis - 1m 51.4 seconds - Uwa Province

Men’s 4x100 metres:

Western Province- 40.4 seconds

Women’s 800 metres

Shanika Samanmalee - 2 m 09.7 seconds - North Western Province

Women’s 4x100 metres

North Western Province- 46.7 seconds