Bandara and Priyadarshani give blazing start to Sports Festival

Ajith Bandara of the North Western Province turned in a time of 32 minutes 01.81 seconds to take first place in the 10,000 Meters on the opening day of the 36th National Sports Festival which commenced at the Bogambara Stadium in Kandy yesterday.

In the women’s events N.C.D. Priyadarshani of the Western Province reigned supreme in the women’s Triple Jump clearing 12.50 Meters. Both Ajith Bandara and Priyadarshani are National champions having brought honours to Sri Lanka at the SAF Games. All eyes were on this pair as they faced their events. Ajith Bandara was a picture of confidence and had no difficulty in winning the gruelling event.

Priyadarshani was not far behind in her resolve as she went through the motions of the hop step and the jump to be an easy winner in the women’s Triple Jump.

The torch for the Festival was lit by Anuruddha Ratnayake and Thilini Jayasinghe as Manju Wanniarachchi, who was originally down to light the torch was withdrawn at the last minute.
Western Province is right on top at the Festival having obtained 24 Golds. In fact Western Province look set to win the championships for yet another year. In the long history of the games, Western Province has been winning the championship titles for 35 years except for one year.

A special feature at the three day event which draws to a close on Monday is that a large number of athletes from Jaffna are in Kandy representing Northern Province at the meet. The athletes from all parts of the island are put up at various centers and Kandy is bustling with activity giving the picturesque city a festival atmosphere.

The Sri Lanka Government is said to have spent nearly Rs. 50 million for the games.
The Festival will gather momentum today at the Bogambara Stadium with several interesting events down for decision. Amongst them are the women’s 5000 meters, Shot Putt, Elle, Javelin Throw and the High Jump.

Also down for decision is the men’s discus, the 400 Hurdles (men and women), 200 meters (men and women), 800 meters (men and women) and the 4 x 100 relay events for men and women.