Police cyclist Nidus Nilantha wins race in tight finish

Sri Lanka Police cyclist M. Nidus Nilantha won the 120 kilometres cycle race between Ratnapura-Pelmadulla-Balangoda and back, covering hilly areas too. Nidus Nilantha came first in a timing of 2 hours 34 minutes and 19 seconds. It was a closely fought-out race as the first five cyclists had the identical time.

In second position was Mohammad Salif (also Police), in third position was Sameeera Chathuranga (Sri Lanka Army SC), fourth was M.P.D. Rajapakse (Sri Lanka Army SC), fifth was Sujith Kumara (Sri Lanka Army SC), coming sixth was K.D.P. Sandamal of Sri Lanka Army CC in 2 hours 39 mins 31. secs. In seventh position was Manoj Sumanaweera of Winged Wheel CC in 2 hours 40 minutes and 4 seconds. From 7th to 10th position riders had the same timings. They were: (8th) Wasantha Harischandra of Sri Lanka Army, ninth was Ruwan Jayamanne also of Sri Lanka Army and 10th was Janak Sumanaweera of Winged Wheel CC.

The cyclists who came first to 10th position were awarded cash prizes, while the five cyclists who finished the course within the scheduled time also received cash. There were 24 cyclists who finished this rather difficult course.

The chief guest at the meet was the Deputy Minister of Power and Energy and MP for Ratnapura, Premalal Jayasekera. Prizes were distributed by proprietor of "Pinwatte Gems", Lion Pinwatte.