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| Since the departure of Susanthika Jayasinghe and Damayanthi Dharsha and the likes from the track, Sri Lanka is struggling to find suitable substitutes who could represent the country at international level. |
Sri Lanka will be among the 18 countries who will participate in the Thai-Asian open Athletic Championship that will get underway at the Thamasat University Complex in Bangkok today.
At this meet Sri Lanka will be represented by six male and two female athletes.
Today among the Lankans – team captain Prasad Ratnayake will be featured in the long jump event while Chandrika Subhashini (women) and Sumedha Ratnayake (men) will take part in the 400metre heats.
In tomorrow’s events Ashan Hasaranga, Ranil Jayawardena (100metres and 200 metres) heats and Erin Kapukotuwa (discus throw) will represent Sri Lanka.
On the 28th of April 800metre runners D.D.N. Nishantha (men) and N.M.C. Dilrukshi (women) are billed to take stage.
It is reported that a concerned Sports Ministry has asked for explanation from the AAASL about this inexperienced contingent representing the country for this meet. However, AAASL selection committee member explaining this strategy to The Sunday Times said “This is only an exercise of exposure and give the lesser known athletes a chance to prove themselves”.
However since the retirement of both Susanthika Jayasinghe and Damayanthi Dharsha from the local and international track along with Rohan Pradeep and Sujatha Bhuddika (on the injury list), Jani Chathurangi de Silva, Premila Priyadharshini (banned for the usage of banned substances) along with Prasanna Amerasekera and Co. in the dock for human smuggling, Sri Lanka is now finding it very difficult to field an athletic team with any substance at present. |
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