Junior National Athletics from May 9 to 12

Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) is expected to conduct the Junior National Athletic Championship from May 9 to 12 at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The entries were already closed last April 30 for this four-day event and late entries are also accepted until May 3. This is a very important event for the junior athletes and a good opportunity for them to showcase their talent.

SLA is already making arrangements to conduct this meet said SLA Vice President G.L.S Perera. The junior athletes under 16 years (born in 2007-2008), Under 18 years (born in 2005-2006) Under 20 years (born in 2003-2004 ) and under 23 years (born in 2000, 2001, 2002) are eligible to take part this event while Under 23 event will be the key attraction with several National athletes are expected to take part this age category.

Sri Lanka junior athletes are expected to take part in the World Junior Athletic Championship from August 1 to 6 in Cali, Colombia, and SLA already selected junior athletes for this event after considering their performances at the recently concluded selections trials and the Centenary National (senior) championship.

The promising athlete from Walala A. Ratnayake MMV, Tharushi Karunaratne was qualified for the 400m and 800m events, Rumesh Tharanga from St Peters Bambalapitiya (Javelin Throw), Jayeshi Uththara (400m), Amesha Hettiarachchi (400m hurdles) also qualified for this World Junior event. Especially junior athletes were able to establish new junior records recently. In addition, Medhani Jayamanne who took part at the last World junior meet also in good form for the 100m and 200m, and all these athletes are expected to take part at this Junior Nationals. Tharushi Karunaratne who beat experienced athletes like Nadeesha Ramanayake and Dilshi Kumarasinghe will be the main attraction of this junior meet.