The National Sports Selection Committee has approved a 59-member Sri Lankan team for the upcoming South Asian Athletics Championship 2025, to be held in Ranchi, India, from October 24 to 26.
Originally scheduled for May, the championship was postponed, and the Athletics Association received official confirmation only after the National Athletics Championship had concluded. Consequently, selectors based their choices on performances from that event.
However, the selection process has sparked dissatisfaction among several athletes, who claim they were not informed that national championship results would determine the final team.
Athletes who outperformed selected competitors at the All-Island School Games — including Omel Sashintha (400m, 200m), Tharushi Abhisheka (800m), and Dhananjana Fernando (200m) — are among those missing out on their preferred events.
Both Omel and Dhananjana have been named for relay events, which could still provide an opportunity to compete in the 200m, as Sri Lanka has only one listed athlete for that event. However, Tharushi Abhisheka is set to miss out entirely.
The situation unfolds amid administrative uncertainty, as the Athletics Association of Sri Lanka has been under suspension since August 25, with the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports currently managing its operations until new elections are held.
MEN
1. Chamod Yodasinghe – 100m, 4x100m
2. D.D.S. Diyalawaththa – 100m, 4x100m
3. Indusara Vidushan – 200m, 4x100m
4. Kalinga Kumarage – 400m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mixed Relay
5. Kalhara Idupa Silva – 400m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mixed Relay
6. Harsha S. Karunarathna – 800m
7. A.M.S.B. Aththanayake – 800m
8. Rusiru Chathuranga – 1500m
9. R.M. Nifras – 1500m
10.V. Vakshan – 5000m
11.S. Roshan – 10000m
12.R. Roshan D. Ranatunga – 110m Hurdles
13.Sandun Koshala – 110m Hurdles
14.Ayomal Akalanka – 400m Hurdles
15.Asitha Rathnasena – 400m Hurdles
16. Lesandu Arthavidu – High Jump
17. Tharindu Dasun – High Jump
18. Wishmitha Kumara – Long Jump
19. Sampath Miranda – Long Jump
20. Pasindu Malshan – Triple Jump
21.Ashmika Keshan – Triple Jump
22. S. Mithunraj – Shot Put
23. Milantha S. Dissanayaka – Discus Throw
24. K.K.D.M. Dharmasena – Hammer Throw
25. Rumesh Tharanga – Javelin Throw
26. Sumedha Ranasinghe – Javelin Throw
27. Pramuditha Silva – 4x100m
28. Chalith Piumal – 4x100m
29. Sadew W. Rajakaruna – 4x400m
30. Omel Shashintha Silva – 4x400m
WOMEN
1. Amasha De Silva – 100m, 4x100m
2. Fathima Shafiya – 100m, 200m, 4x100m
3. Jithma S. Wijethunga – 200m, 4x400m
4. Nadeesha Ramanayaka – 400m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mixed Relay
5. Sayuri Mendis – 400m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mixed Relay
6. Sanduni Lakshani – 800m
7. Takshima Nuhansa – 800m
8. Nimali Liyanarachchi – 1500
9. K.G.N.M.A. Kumari – 1500m
10. H.M. Chamini S. Herath – 5000m
11. W.A.M. Rasara Wijesuriya – 5000m, 10000m
12. Lakshika Sugandhi – 100m hurdles
13. Wathsala K. Hapuarachchi – 110m hurdles
14. L.G.A. Sathsarani – 400m Hurdles
15. Dasuni Kaushalya – 400m Hurdles
16. Ranindi Pehansa Gamage – High Jump
17. Rashmi Koshila Perera – High Jump
18. Nethmika M. Herath – Long Jump, Triple Jump
19. Ishara Samanmali – Long Jump
20. E.M.S. Upeksha – Triple Jump
21. Ovini T. Chandrasekera – Shot Put
22. A.G.V.V. Lakmali – Discus Throw
23. Dilhani Lekamge – Javelin Throw
24. Imasha Hasanthi – Javelin Throw
25. Rumeshika K. Rathnayaka – 4x100m
26. Dhananjana S. Fernando – 4x100m
27. Dilushani Silva – 4x100m
28. Nishendra H. Fernando – 400m, 4x400m Mixed Relay
29. Jayeshi Uththara – 4x400m
