Nimalie a new Lanka record

by Leslie FERNANDO

Sri Lanka Air Force athlete W. K. L. A. Nimali put up a splendid performance to establish a new Sri Lanka record in the 3,000 metres steeple chase event while Sajani Lakshika Silva of Welasiya MV, Madurankuliya set a new meet record on day one of the two day 27th Women's Athletic Championships conducted by Athletic Association of Sri Lanka held at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.

Nimali performed well in the women's 3,000 metres steeplechase returning a time of 11 minutes 01:08 seconds to erase off her own mark of 11:19:14 secs in 2008.

K. V. D. G. K. Abeyrathne of Sri Lanka Army finished second (11:45:87 secs) while R. A. I. Dilhan of Sri Lanka Army was placed third (12:32;86 secs.).

Lakshika was responsible for the new meet record in the girls under-16 javelin throw when she returned to record distance of 36.06 metres in her fourth throw. She held the previous of 33:97 metres at last year's meet improving by 2:09 metres to beat her own record.

The meet will be continued today at 9 a.m. Altogether 29 events in under-12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and open categories will be worked off.

Mrs. Leisha de Silva Chandrasena, Chairperson - Sri Lanka Telecom will be the chief guest.