KANDY — Bringing immense pride to Sri Lankan masters athletics, 71-year-old veteran long-distance runner D.M.A.S. Athula Sri Lal Dhanasekara successfully established a remarkable new road racing record in Kandy today.
Following his previous 31km running challenge from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to Alawatugoda last August, as well as a 10,000-meter race at the Digana Stadium, Athula Sri Lal selected a highly challenging, hilly route for his latest feat. The treacherous course began near the Bogambara Stadium in Kandy and stretched through the Hanguranketha road all the way to Kiwulinda.
Organized in strict accordance with the official rules of the Masters Athletics Association, the veteran runner completed the entire 30-kilometer distance continuously in just 3 hours and 25 minutes. Despite rainy and disruptive weather conditions in Kandy today, which made the steep terrain even more hazardous, Athula Sri Lal strategically turned the wet climate to his advantage to seal his victory.
The historic run was officially supervised by Dr. Senadheera, a medical officer representing the Kandy Four Gravets and Gangawata Korale Divisional Secretariat, who served as the chief technical judge. Bandula Samarasinghe, a veteran SAARC Marathon gold medalist, also joined as a chief guest supervisor. To ensure the runner’s maximum safety along the busy, winding mountain roads, the Sri Lanka Police motorcycle squad provided dedicated route guidance and security throughout the event.
Spectators and sports enthusiasts strongly voiced that Athula Sri Lal’s invaluable experience should be preserved for future generations by appointing him as a Veteran Athletic Coach to guide school children and inspire marathon runners across South Asia. Many also highlighted that despite his advanced age, his extraordinary discipline and capability make him the perfect candidate to represent Sri Lanka at the Masters Olympics and even participate in the Olympic Torch Lighting ceremony as a living flame of national pride.
— Special Correspondent, Ceylon Watch