Athletics: Air Force sprinter Nimali promoted

Sprinter Nimali Liyanarachchi, who won four medals, including three golds at the 21st Asian Athletic Championship and Asian Grand Prix held in Thailand, has been promoted in ranks by her employer – the Sri Lanka Air Force.   “The Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala promoted AW/3029 Leading Aircraftwoman Nimali Liyanaarachchi, leading SLAF athlete to the rank of Corporal with effect from July 14, 2015, in recognition of her medal winning performance at the recently concluded 21st Asian Athletic Championship and Asian Grand Prix in Thailand. Further, a cash award was also presented to her at a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Air Force Headquarters,” an official statement issued by the SLAF media unit said.   Liyanaarachchi was a productive athlete and a sprinter at Wawegama Primary School before she joined SLAF in 2009.   She claimed the national record in 800m twice won three gold medals in Asian Grand Prix concluded this month and a bronze at the Asian Athletic Championship last month.