Seylan Bank shines at 39th Mercantile Athletics Championships 2024

Seylan Bank recently announced its outstanding performance at the 39th Mercantile Athletics Championships recently held at the Sugathadasa Stadium. 

Seylan Bank secured an impressive sixth place overall and second place among banks, with a total medal tally of 10 Golds, 8 Silvers, and 5 Bronzes. This achievement highlights the dedication and prowess of Seylan Bank’s athletes. 

A total of 30 athletes represented Seylan Bank at this year’s event, showcasing their talent and commitment.

Key highlights included Sarangi Silva being named ‘Overall Best Athlete of the Championship’ and ‘Best Athlete in the Championship Category for Women’, while Kamalene Mills was recognised as the ‘Best Athlete in the 30+ Women’s Category’.

Among the medal winners, Chamika Weerawardena stood out with four Golds in the 400m, 400m Hurdles, 4x400m Relay, and 4x100m Relay, along with one Silver in the 800m. Sarangi Silva secured two Golds in the Long Jump and Triple Jump, and Kamalene Mills earned two Golds in the High Jump (setting a new record) and Javelin Throw, along with one Silver in the 200m.

Other notable performances included Janeesha Sriskantha winning Gold in the Discus Throw, P.K. Premasiri securing Gold in the 50+ Men’s 200m, and Harshini Shelvarajah earning Silver in the 400m Hurdles. Pasindu Malshan won Silver in the Novices Men’s 200m and Bronze in the Novices Men’s 100m, while Saman Perera took Silver in the 50+ Men’s 1,500m Race Walk. Niluka S. Fernando earned Silver in the 40+ Women’s 200m and Bronze in the 40+ Women’s 400m, and Susantha Fernando secured Bronze in the Men’s 55+ 3,000m and 800m. The relay teams also contributed to the medal tally with multiple Golds and Silvers.

Meet records were set by Chamika Weerawardena in the Men’s Championship Category – 400m with a time of 49.82 seconds (2022) and by Kamalene Mills in the Women’s Novices Category – High Jump with a height of 1.51 metres (2018).

Organised by the Mercantile Athletics Federation (MAF), this year’s event saw participation from 47 companies across various sectors, including manufacturing, garments, marine, aviation, insurance, banking and finance, travel, medical, telecommunication, and trade.