Ritzbury Sir John Tarbet Junior Schools Athletic Championship 2022 concludes successfully

The final round of Ritzbury Sir John Tarbet Junior Schools Athletic Championship was held from 28 to 30 December 2022 at the Mahinda Rajapakse Sports Complex in Diyagama under the sponsorship of Ritzbury, the number one chocolate in Sri Lanka.

The event organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association (SLSAA) attracted over 3000 participants from schools all over the island. The participants were from the age group of under-12 to under-15 both boys and girls.

As announced by the SLSAA during three days, 16 new records were established and in one event the previous record was equalled.

St. Joseph Vas College, Wennappuwa with 64 points emerged winners of the boy’s category while Mariris Stella College, Negombo with 50 points was the first runner up. In the girl’s category, Ave Maria Convent, Negombo clinched the winners’ title with 68 points while Ambagamuwa Central College became the runners up with 65 points.

Thushara Mendis of Lyceum IS, Wattala (853 points) adjudged the best male athlete while V.P.N.Samadhi of Vijitha Central College, Dickwella (907 points) received the award for best female athlete.

Chief Guest on the occasion CBL Foods International Marketing General Manager Nilupul De Silva said: “It is indeed happy to have supported the Sir John Tarbet Schools Athletic Championship for many years with the objective of uplifting athletics at school level. There is no doubt that this year we had to consider the sponsorship amidst many challenges. 

“However, our passion and commitment for the development of country’s sports encouraged us to continue our support specially at this difficult time. In addition, as of previous years we are delighted to give a helping hand for a group of promising school athletes nominated by the SLSAA with the hope of producing national level athletes.”

SLSAA President Dr. Kusala Fernando said: “Ritzbury as the sole sponsor of Sir John Tarbet Schools Athletic Championship has been rendering a yeoman service in uplifting athletics at the school level. Ritzbury’s continuous commitment despite of many challenges to support thousands of budding athletes to showcase their talent through this event should be commendable. This year Ritzbury Sir John Tarbet Junior Schools Athletic Championship was held after lapse of two years due to COVID-19 global pandemic and we are indeed grateful to Ritzbury for the generous support.”

The highlight of this year’s event was awarding of sports scholarships to 15 exceptionally well performed athletes nominated by the SLSAA. Accordingly, P.S. Jaythilaka (Thurstan College), R.P.D.A.T Rajapaksha (Sir John Kotalawala M.V., Kurunegala), E.S.D. Anuhas (Bodagama  M.V .,Thanamalwila), G.I. Arthavidu (D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo), R. Currim (Lyceum Int. School, Panadura), H.M.N. Madushani Herath (Nannapuruwa M.V. Bibila), K. Sithuli Sadithya (Samudradevi  B.V. Nugegoda ), W.M.K.N. Wickramasinghe (Wickramabahu N.S. Gampola),W. Jayavi Ranhinda (Royal College, Panadura), S. Kosala (Lyceum Int. School, Wattala), E. Vishwa Tharuka (Rahula College, Matara), K.L.A. Akalanka (Ambagamuwa  M.M.V.), D.M.M. Shyamal (Kuliyapitiya C.C.), D.M.M.P. Dunusinghe (Sir John Kotalawala M.V., Kurunegala) and Dananjana Ranasgalla (Lyceum Int. School, Yakkala), received scholarships to pursue their future endeavours in sports. Apart from athletics, Ritzbury as a leading sports promoter in the country also extends its sponsorship to power the Ritzbury Junior National Squash Championship, Vidudaya Ritzbury Swimming Championship and Ritzbury Junior Super 16 Rugby Carnival.