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First Lankan woman athlete to win medal
at CG Sri Lanka's top women hurdler Sriyani Kulawansa created a sensation when she won a silver medal in the 100m hurdle event on the final day of the 16th Communwealth Games here yesterday. Kulawansa became the first Sri Lankan athlete to win a medal on the track in Commonwealth Games. On her way to the Silver she had a time of 12.95 secs a fraction (.01 secs) behind her time she clocked on Sunday in the semi-final. Gillian Russel (Jamaica) won the Gold-medal for the event clocking 12.70 secs which also helped her to erase the existing Games record. The third placed Katie Anderson (Canada) had to be content with the bronze with a time of 13.04 secs.
I was not aware how I completed the first five hurdles as there was an empty track on my right side. I felt the real competition only at this point and I ran my own way she said. If I get few more chances to compete at this level I think it will be of vital importance which also could keep us in line for a gold medal at the next Asian Games in Bangkok. When asked whether she expect any kind of reward for bringing honour for her motherland she said: " I am a girl hailing from a remote village in Kurunegala District known as Ragedera. I have the privilege of visiting many countries and making statements but the natives of Ragedera are deprived of seeing or hearing us. They are not provided with electricity and most of them are unable to witness these live" she said. My only request is only for my natives who needs this facility. Hope the authorities will give a hearing to this she said. Derwin Perera coach of the Sri Lankan athletic squad speaking on Kulawansa's performance said: "Ten years ago when I returned from Germany after coaching stint I told the newsmen that we have the potential to win medals at international level. We have kept to that now, we won medals at World level, Now we are left with only to win an Olympic medal. I will try my best to achieve that too" said Derwin. Sri Lanka placed seventh Sri Lanka's 4x400 metre relay team participating in final event of the Games were pushed back to seventh position. Lanka quartet used the same pattern used in the semi-final in this event too. Rohan Pradeep finished the first lap in the first slot though he had a late start. But Ratnakumara failed onto hold this position he handed over the baton at the fifth position. Wimalawansa too failed in the third lap and handed the baton last to Sugath. Sugath could not catch up with the front runners as they were far ahead. But managed only to overcome the front runner to secure the seventh slot. Sri Lanka who clocked 3:04.19 seconds in the semi-final finished the final far behind clocking 3:04.11 secs. Jamaican quartet won the gold clocking 2:59.03 secs while England and Wales picked up silver and bronze medals respectively registering times of 3:00.82 secs and 3:01.85 secs. The biggest event the Commonwealth countries which went on for 11 days came to an end with a clourful ceremony attended by its head Queen Elizabeth II here yesterday. Managing Director and Chief Executive Hatton National Bank Ltd Rienzie T. Wijetilleke in a congratulatory message to Sri Lanka's Silver Medalist at the 16th Commonwealth Games Sriyani Kulawansa who works for HNB states: On behalf of all of us at HNB, please accept our heartiest congratulations on your grand achievement. You have brought fame and honour to our motherland and done HNB proud. We are honoured to have you in the Hatna family. We wish you continued success in your athletic career. Dialog GSM to felicitate athletes Bronze medal winner for Sri Lanka in the 400 m event at the 16th Commonwealth Games Sugath Tillekeratne, Damayanthi Dharsha who entered the final and Sriyani Kulawansa the finalist for the 100m Hurdle event are to be felicitated by the main sponsors of the Sri Lanka contingent for the Kuala Lumpur Games. The date for the felicitation ceremony will be decided after their arrival in the island said the Chief Executive of Dialog GSM, Dr. Hans Wijesuriya. Dr. Wijesuriya who arrived in Kuala Lumpur to witness the final stages of the Games was highly impressed by Lankan athlete's performances. He said on behalf of the sponsors he was happy to see them perform so well to bring honour to Sri Lanka. He further added that if Sri Lanka fielded its full team for this games cricket tournament it could have changed the pattern of the medal standing for this sport. It is proud moment to sponsor a team which has close relations with Malaysia. Sri Lankans were given all encouragement and support by the host country. West of England win first outing West of England who came out for the first time in this years Singer-cup tourney after leading by 12 points to 7 well into midway in the second half cut-loose during one final ten minutes of the game rattling-up twenty one points to score a most impressive 33 points (4 goals, 1 try) to 7 (1 goal) win over a rather disjointed CR and FC XV in then Singer-Cup match at Longden Place last evening. At lemons West of England led by 12-7. The English side which boasts of several professional players turning out for them with experience in British Club rugby displayed what top playing international rugger was all about by running down four classy tries to the solitary try planted by the locals. However in fairness to the Red Shirts it must be noted that they took to the field yesterday sans nine of their regulars. But their illjudged decision to obtain from taking four penalty kicks at goal in the second half, opting to go for short taps instead deprived CR and FC from turning the tables over their experienced counterparts from England. West of England opened scouring in only the tenth minute of play when Hooker Nick Culliford crashed through to the touch down close to the uprights after a slow tap was taken, with stand off Paul Malloy converting to take the tourists to a 7-0 lead. The visitors further increased their lead in the 22nd minute when No: 8 forward Mark Lloyd dashed through to score having won a good bull in a line out in the CR '22'. Mallay fluffed the conversion to put the Englishmen ahead by 12-0. CR then came into the game for the only time in the match when their captain and Fdanker Savantha de Saram banged over to plant their sole try off a line out the 30th minute of the first half. Full back Nalaka Weerakkody added the extra points to reduce the deficit to 12-7 at the short whistle. After the turn around it became an all England affair as they ran down three superlative tries to simply bury their opponents in style, with CR being guilty of not raking their chances to score penalties which came in a heap to them. For the winners lock forward Mike Colgate, skipper and wing forward Tim Roles and no. 8 Mark Lloyd scored their tries respectively with out side half Malloy converting with the tries to see them through to a facile win in the end. Referee S. W. Chang. Mitsubishi Motors Club Rally 1998 Mitsubishi Motors Club an independent organisation of Mitsubishi owners in Sri Lanka is sponsored by United Motors Lanka Ltd. The Club, for the 3rd time has organized the Motor Rally exclusively for its members to be held on 3rd of October 1998. It will start in front of the United Motors Lanka Ltd. Show rooms at No. 100, Hyde Park Corner Colombo 2. and will finish at one of the star class beach hotels down southern part of Sri Lanka. The first competitor will be flagged off by the Chief Guest — Mahendra Amarasuriya — Chairman, United Motors Lanka Ltd., the second competitor will be flagged off by the Guest of Honour — Gerry A. Hidelaratchi — Managing Director/Chief Execuive of United Motors Lanka Ltd., and the third competitor will be flagged off by the President of the Club, Raja Sinnathuray. The first car is expected to leave at 7.30 a.m. Sunil de Silva, Secretary of the Mitsubishi Motors Club and Sumedha Pandithage will accept entries at United Motors Lanka Ltd., No. 100, Hyde Park Corner, Colombo 2. A colourful opening ceremony for 9th Asian VB
C'ships The 9th Asian Women's Junior Volleyball Championships will get off to a colourful start this evening at Trang Indoor Stadium here in Bangkok at 2.00 p.m. The organisers have taken great pains in organising this event. All participating countries have arrived at the venue said an organising official. The stadium has a seating capacity for 5000 spectators. All participating teams, were given the opportunity to have their practice sessions at Trang City's Municipal Indoor Stadium and Vichan Matu School courts. These two courts were specially prepared for volleyball fixtures. Spikers and officials amounting to over 300 from Australia, Thailand, Korea, Taipe, Malaysia, China, Japan, India, Vietnam and Singapore were seen relaxing at their hotels. Here in Tran City the climatic conditions are almost similar to that of Sri Lanka which could be of immense importance to our spikers. Huge banners and National flags of participating countries were seen in all parts of city welcoming the spikers. Soon after the opening ceremony five matches will be played, two games from Group A and three from Group B. The games scheduled for today are Malaysia vs Korea and Taipei vs. Thailand from Group 'A' and India Vs. Japan, China Vs Vietnam and Australia vs Singapore from Group B. Sri Lankan spikers will came out for the first time against Taiwan tomorrow while in the same group Malaysia face Taipe. The group 'B' matches for tomorrow are Japan vs. China, India vs Singapore and Vietnam vs Australia. A capacity crowd is expected for the opening ceremony today, said one of the organisers. Junior Coaching camp at Ratnapura The Colombo Regional Cricket Board attached to the Cricket Board, under the National Development Plan has organised a specialized coaching programme for boys under-13 in the Ratnapura District. The programme will be held at Madduwa grounds, Ratnapura today commencing 9 a.m. Ratnapura DCA has invited the following schools to participate at this coaching camp. Over 150 students are expected to take part. Meanwhile, on the same day a score board donated to the Madduwa grounds by the Colombo Regional Board will be declared open by the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor of Ratnapura Municipal Council. Qualified coaches will handle this coaching programme with the assistance of Malcom Perera, Director Coaching of BCCSL. Schools participating are: Embilipitiya MMV, Kularathne MV, Rahula MV, Gankanda MMV, Balangoda MMV, Jelani MMV, Karavita MMV, Mihindu MV, St. Alocious MV, Seevali MV, Dharmapala MV, Ratnapura, Dharmapala MV, Eheliyagoda, Kuruvita MV, Eheliyagoda MV, Naradha MV, Kuruburugamuwa MV. (AN) Chitraka's ton help Kalutara TC A brilliant 109 by skipper Chitraka Hettiarachchi helped Kalutara TC trounce Rio SC, Ambalangoda by an innings and 35 runs in their Under 23 cricket encounter played at Kalutara Esplanade over the week-end. Batting first Kalutara TC scored 272 for 9 wickets. Chitraka Hetti-arachchi's top score of 109 included 10 fours. In reply Rio SC were all out for 92. Kalutara TC medium paceman Ruwan Sujeewa and Ruwan Chandana captured five wickets each. In their follow on Rio SC were bundled out for 145. Scores: KALUTARA TC 272 for 9 dec. (Chitraka Hettiarachchi 109, Chandika Seeman 50, K. Sujeewa 23 n.o., S. Pradeep 22, R. M. Chandana 5/89). RIO SC 92 (C. R. Rupasinghe 31, N. Wijenayake 18, R. Sujeewa 5/36, R. Chandana 5/44) and 145 (R. M. Chandana 46, N. Mendis 16, R. Chandana 4 /34, R. Sujeewa 2/43, G. Anupama 2/20, T. Abeyratne 2/33) (RP). CWE registered a 55 run victory over Insurance Corporation in N.S.C.A Veteran’s tournament encounter played recently at the NSCA cricket grounds Ratmalana. CWE batting first scored 151 for nine wickets in 35 overs with D. N. Pathirana and J. R. Fernando scoring 38 each. In reply Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation could muster only 96 in 34 overs. S. de Mel top scored with 25. Chief Scores: CWE — 151 for 9 wickets in 35 overs. (D. N. Pathirana 38, T. R. Fernando 38, H. D. V. Prematileke 32, P. M. Peiris 12, R. Wijeratne 3/30, S. de Mel 2/20, J. Perera 2/22) Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation — 96 all out in 34.2 overs. (S. de Mel 25, R. Peiris 23, D. N. Pathirana 4/04 runs, H. D. V. Prematileke 3/14 runs) |
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