G.K.K.S.T. Gunasekare (39.20) of Western Province forced pass 87 competitors to emerge the National Cross Country Men’s Champion while N.G.Rajasekare (30.23) of the Western Province secured the Women’s championship.
The athletic event which was organized by the Ministry of Sports in conjuction with the Sports Developing Department concluded today at the Mahinda Rajapakse International Sports Complex premises Diyagama. Competitors from all the 9 provinces in the island attended the final championship which worked off for the 24th time. The male contenders ran through 12 km terrain while the female competitors dashed out for 8 km.
G.R.Saman Kumara of the Uva province came in second in the men’s championship in 39.51 minutes while B.G.L Anuradhi of Central Province clocked 31.26 minutes to come in second in the women’s championship.
The third place of the Men’s championship was taken by D.L. Samarajeewa of Central Province who reached the finish line in 40.05 minutes. H.N. Nadeesha Kumari representing Western Province did well in 31.40 minutes to appear as the 3rd of the Women’s championship.
Meanwhile competitors from Central province and Western province brought glory to their provinces, when they won men’s and women’s team championships respectively.
Mr. Anura Jayawickrame, Secretary, Ministry of Sports convoyed by Mrs. Ranjani Jayakody, Director General (Sports) and many more were attended the awards ceremony which held this evening.
Men’s individual
1. G.K.K.S.T Gunasekare (39.20)
2. G.R.Saman Kumara (39.51)
3. D.L.Samarajeewa (40.05)
Women’s individual
1. N.G.Rajasekare (30.23)
2. D.G.L Anuradhi (31.26)
3. H.N.Nadeesha Kumari (31.40)
Team Championship (Women)
1. Western Province
2. Central
Team Championship (Men)
1. Central Province
2. Southern Province
Mr. Prema Pinnawala, adviser for president for sports and Major General Palith Fernando were present to witness the event
