Steeplechaser Ratnayake could face ban after failing doping test
Female steeplechase runner Nilani Ratnayake could face a ban of up to four years after testing positive for Ligandrol—a drug banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). She is the second athlete in months to test positive for the above drug.
Powerlifter Indika Danansuriya is also facing a four-year ban after testing positive. The disciplinary inquiry was concluded into Danasuriya’s incident and the verdict is expected soon.
According to the internet, Ligandrol is used to increase energy, improve athletic performance, increase muscle growth and has other applications, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use. Ligandrol might also be unsafe with risks of heart attacks and liver issues.
The news is a deathblow to the 32-year-old Ratnayake, who is among medal prospects at next month’s Asian Athletics Championships in Thailand. She was also in line to compete at the Asian Games this year. The drug episode could bring a premature end to an otherwise illustrious career.
Sources said the athlete has denied any knowledge of using the drug and has decided to face an inquiry to clear her name. She also has the option of request for a ‘B’ sample testing. She has been provisionally suspended.
The undisputed national champion, Ratnayake, represented Sri Lanka at the last Commonwealth Games and as well as the World Championship. She is trained by Sajith Jayalal, a veteran coach, who is also a director of the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA). Jayalal is also the head of the National Institute of Sports Science.
Jayalal was to accompany the Sri Lanka team to the Asian Championship as a coach but has pulled out following the positive dope test of his athlete. Sources said Ligandrol is commonly used in Sri Lanka and the authorities should act swiftly to stop athletes falling prey.
Ratnayake is the first Sri Lankan to run the steeplechase in under 10 minutes, 9:46.76 at the 2018 Athletic National Championships. She also represented Sri Lanka at the 2018 Asian Games where she finished sixth with a timing of 9:54.65 seconds in the Women’s 3000metres final. In 2022, she clocked 9.40.24 seconds to establish a new Sri Lankan record, which stands as her best performance to date.