Ritzbury, one of Sri Lanka’s leading supporters of youth athletics, proudly honoured five exceptional athletes and their coaches for their remarkable performances at the 6th Asian Youth Athletics Championship 2025, held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The felicitation ceremony was held on May 2nd at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, under the banner of Ritzbury’s signature initiative, Mawbimata Weerayek (A Hero to the Nation).

Out of the eight Sri Lankan medalists at the continental event, five belong to the Mawbimata Weerayek program, showcasing the success of Ritzbury’s long-term investment in grassroots athletic development. These young athletes, who carried the nation’s hopes with pride, were not only felicitated with awards but also received financial support to further their sporting journeys.

Among the honourees was M.G.T. Abhisheka Premasiri, who brought home Sri Lanka’s only Gold medal in the Girls’ 800m and added a Silver in the medley relay. Dananjana Sewmini Fernando shone with two Silvers—one in the 100m sprint and another in the medley relay. Meanwhile, H.D. Shavindu Avishka (800m), G.D. Lahiru Achintha (1500m), and J.H.P. Nethya Sampath (High Jump) earned Bronze medals, contributing to Sri Lanka’s highest-ever medal tally at the championship.

Recognising the vital role of coaching, Ritzbury also paid tribute to the five national coaches behind this success: Buddhika Nuwan, Anuradha Nanayakkara, R.H.M. Jude Chinthaka, K.H.A.D.S.I. Kularathna, and Suranjith Senarath. Their guidance, discipline, and preparation were applauded as critical to transforming potential into podium finishes.

Speaking at the event, Kamal Geeganage (CEO) and Niluksha Bastiansz (General Manager – Marketing, CBL Foods International) expressed their pride and reaffirmed Ritzbury’s long-standing commitment to national athletics. They highlighted that the Mawbimata Weerayek program, launched in 2019, now supports 65 young talents across Sri Lanka with financial aid and mentorship, aiming to elevate Sri Lankan athletics on both national and international stages.

With their eyes now set on bigger global competitions, these young athletes symbolize a bright future for Sri Lankan athletics. Initiatives like Mawbimata Weerayek not only bring recognition but also lay the foundation for long-term sporting excellence.

Sri Lanka’s proud medal tally at the 2025 Asian Youth Athletics Championships in Saudi Arabia has been marred by a shocking administrative blunder that led to the disqualification of two promising young athletes — Niduki Prarthana and Ayesha Sewwandi — from the women’s U-18 1500m event.

Despite preparing extensively and showing medal-winning potential, the duo missed their event due to a miscommunication by Sri Lankan athletics officials accompanying the team. According to the athletes, they were wrongly informed that the call time was 6:20 p.m., when in fact it had been scheduled for 6:10 p.m. By the time they arrived at the call room, they were told they could not participate.

This was our first international tour. We were aiming for medals. But due to someone else’s mistake, we lost our chance. We felt like giving up the sport altogether

said Niduki and Ayesha, speaking upon their return to Sri Lanka.

Their emotional reaction highlights the deep disappointment felt not only by the athletes but also by fans and supporters who expected better professionalism from the officials representing the country on the international stage.

This incident raises serious concerns about the preparedness, accountability, and competence of those responsible for athlete coordination at international events. The failure to ensure accurate communication and timely reporting reflects a lack of basic administrative responsibility — one that has directly affected the morale and future of two young talents.

Yet, in spite of this setback, Sri Lanka’s athletes managed to deliver a historic performance, securing 1 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze medals — the highest-ever medal haul for the country in the championship’s history.

Special recognition goes to Tharushi Abhisheka, who claimed gold in the girls’ 800m, and later anchored the medley relay team to a silver medal. Alongside her were outstanding performances by Dilki Nehara, Dhananjana Fernando, Sansala Himashini, Savindu Awishka, Pavan Nethya Sampath, Janith Lakshan Jenkins, and Lahiru Achintha.

While the young athletes showcased resilience, passion, and potential, their efforts must not be overshadowed by administrative carelessness. It is imperative that the Ministry of Sports and relevant authorities conduct an immediate inquiry into the incident and implement measures to ensure such negligence does not repeat.

Sri Lanka’s future in athletics looks bright — but only if our officials rise to the standard set by our athletes.

Tharushi Abhisheka shines with gold as Sri Lanka secures best-ever finish in championship history

Sri Lanka made history at the 6th Asian Under-18 Athletics Championships held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, achieving its highest-ever medal tally with eight medals — 1 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze. This outstanding performance earned Sri Lanka 9th place overall, marking the nation’s best finish in the tournament’s history.

The spotlight of the tournament was firmly on Tharushi Abhisheka from Wikramabahu National School, Gampola, who dominated the girls’ 800m, winning gold with a time of 2:14.86. Her victory marks just the second gold medal ever won by Sri Lanka at this championship, following Yamani Dulanjali’s 2015 triumph in the 400m hurdles.

Tharushi’s brilliance continued as she anchored the Sri Lankan girls’ medley relay team to a silver medal, alongside teammates Dilki Nehara, Dhananjana Fernando, and Sansala Himashini. This medal was the second podium finish for Tharushi, Dilki, and Dhananjana, while it marked a comeback moment for Sansala after a fall in the 400m hurdles.

Dilki Nehara further cemented her status as a rising star by winning bronze in the triple jump with a leap of 12.35m. Dhananjana Fernando impressed in the sprints, claiming silver in the 100m (11.92s) before contributing to the relay team’s silver.

In the boys’ events, Savindu Awishka secured bronze in the 800m with a time of 1:53.41, after a strong lead in the early stages of the race. Pavan Nethya Sampath cleared 2.03m in the high jump to add another bronze to the tally.

Janith Lakshan Jenkins of St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy, got Sri Lanka off to a strong start by winning silver in the triple jump (15.10m) on day one. The medal count was capped by Lahiru Achintha, who earned bronze in the boys’ 1500m, clocking 3:59.76.

This record-setting performance highlights the emerging strength of Sri Lanka’s youth athletics, with a new generation of talent making their mark on the Asian stage. The success of athletes like Tharushi Abhisheka signals a promising future for Sri Lankan track and field on the international scene.