Shashintha continues record-breaking run

By Reemus Fernando 

South Asian Junior Athletics Championship medallist Shashintha Silva continued his record-breaking form to bag the Under 18 boys’ 400 metres title in style on day three of the Sir John Tarbat Senior Athletics Championship at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Wednesday.

The St. Sebastian’s College, Kandana sprinter Silva and St. Joseph Vaz’s College sprinter Nerudaka Vishal renewed the meet records in their respective age group 400 metres.

Shashintha clocked 47.10 seconds to break the  record held by Asian Youth Championship medallist Navishka Sandesh of St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa.

It was the second time that Shashintha broke a record at national level this year after writing his name against the Junior National Championship record. Last month Shashintha established a new meet record at the Western Province Schools Games Athletics Championship with a similar performance.

Sadev Rajakaruna who finished second behind Shashintha reached his personal best with a feat of 47.41 seconds.

St. Joseph Vaz college sprinter Vishal clocked 49.76 seconds to break the meet record in the Under 16 boys’ 400 metres.

In the Under 20 category 400 metres, Roshen Fernandopulle of Maris Stella College, Negombo was the winner. He clocked 48.57 seconds.

Lyceum International Wattala sprinter Jithma Wijetunga came  up with the most impressive 400 metres performance in the girls’ category. She clocked 54.92 seconds to win the Under 20 event, while Nuhasna Kodituwakku of Matara Central College finished second with a feat of 55.75 seconds.