Sri Lanka is set to send a squad of 14 athletes to India following an invitation from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). The team will compete in the National Open Relay Championship in Chandigarh on March 28.
Sri Lanka will field two men’s 4x400m relay teams and one women’s 4x400m relay team.
Men’s 4x400m Team A features Aruna Dharshana, Kalhara Indupa, Pasindu Kodikara, and Sadeera Wimansa Rajapaksa. Aruna Dharshana, who represented Sri Lanka at the Tokyo Olympics, brings valuable experience to the squad. Young gun Kalhara Indupa, who stunned the competition to claim the 400m title at the recent National Trials, is a key member. Kalhara and Sadew Rajapaksa were also part of the winning Sri Lankan 400m relay team at the 1st Indian Open Athletic Championship in Bhubaneswar last August, although Aruna withdrew from that event.
The women’s 4x400m team features Nishendra Harshani Fernando, Jithma Shenari Wijethunga, Sayuri Lakshina, Jayeshi Uththara, and Sandumini Bandara as reserve.
The Athletics Federation of India specifically requested Sri Lanka to send two men’s relay teams, creating more opportunities for the country’s 400m athletes to gain international exposure.
This marks the first international tour for the Sri Lankan athletics team under the newly appointed officials of Sri Lanka Athletics. The tour is a valuable chance for the relay teams to gain experience ahead of key international events. With a busy year ahead—including the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games—the new administration is focused on preparing local athletes for high-level competitions.
The relay teams for National open relay championship in India
Men’s 4x400m – Team A : (Aruna Darshana, Kalhara Idupa, Pasindu Kodikara, Sadew Wimansa Rajapaksa)
Men’s 4x400m – Team B : (Pabasara Niku, Ishan Maduranga, Minol Dismitha, Nimesh Pramuditha, Hasindu Nethsara – Reserve)
Women’s 4x400m Team : (Nishendra Harshani Fernando, Jithma Shenari Wijethunga, Sayuri Lakshima, Jayeshi Uththara, Sandumini Bandara – Reserve)
Officials ( Sunethra Karunanayaka – Team Manager, Ravindu Theekshana – Coach, Sumith Jayantha – Coach)
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