Rumeshika and Janaka offer SL glimmer of hope

Commonwealth Games 2018

By Shamseer Jaleel reporting from Australia

Sri Lanka, after several subpar performances, were given some hope by sprinter Rumeshika Ratnayake and long jumper Janaka Wimalasiri yesterday at the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast of Australia.

Rumeshika, participating in the Women’s 200 metres heat, qualified for the semifinal when she clocked 23.43 seconds behind England’s Dina Smith, who finished in first place with 23.28 seconds. In total 20 athletes were selected from five heats with Canadian Crystal Emmanuel getting the best timing of 22.72 seconds in the heats.

Rumeshika will be in action today.

Meanwhile, Wimalasiri qualified for the final of the men’s Long Jump yesterday. He cleared 7.84 metres to place fifth in his group of 14 and qualified for the final round. 

Henry Frayne was placed first from the host nation with a jump of 8.34 metres. In both groups 10 athletes were selected for the final round. 

Both Prasad and Rumeshika will be in action, giving a glimmer of hope to the Sri Lankan contingent which currently has three medals. Hosts Australia are leading the medal tally with 50 golds, 38 silvers and 42 bronzes followed by England and India. Sri Lanka are placed 23rd.