Madumanthi sets new Sri Lanka record

Bernard Perera

Sri Lanka's woman high jumper Priyangika Madumanthi improved on her Sri Lanka record once again clearing a height of 1.81 metres at the selection trials held yesterday at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

This is the fourth occasion she improved on her record. The trials are held to select the national pool for the forthcoming international meets.

The pool set up after these trials will undergo training under the national coach. S.L. Weerasuriya clocked a time of 21.4 secs. for the 200 metres. He achieved this minus the super stars for this event. He could have improved further on his timing if he faced more competition.

Today all eyes will be focused on 100 and 400 metres. In the absence of leading runners the AASL expect the young ones to come with better timings for these events.

Super stars on the track Susanthika Jayasinghe, Rohan Pradeep Kumara and Sujani Buddhika are not participating at these trials. Yesterday's winners at the trials are: High Jump (women) Priyangika Madumanthi 1.81 m, 10,000m (men) Ajith Bandara (SL Army) 30.37.23 secs., Shot Putt (women) M.N. Muthunayake (SL Navy) 13.38 m, Pole Vault (men) Ruwan Perera 4.50 m.

Triple Jump (women) D.C.A. Dahanayake (Air Force) 12.47 m, 1,500m (women) D.A. Samanmalee (Air Force) 4.27.70 secs., 1,500m (men) P.P.K. Mendis (SL Army) 3.53.13 secs., Discus (men) T.N. Alei Leema (Lanka Lions) 47.92 m

Long Jump (men) N.P. Dharmaratne (SL Army) 7.34 m, Javelin Throw (women) Nadeeka Lakmalee 51.38 m

200m (women) L.S. Irangani (SL Navy) 24.33 secs., 5,000m (women) D.A. Inoka (SL Army) 17.46.85 secs, 200m (men) S.L. Weerasuriya 21.41 secs.

3,000m Steeple Chase M.J.U.I. Bandara 9.08.08 secs.