National champion Gayanthika Abeyrathne advanced to next rate

Sri Lanka Navy’s middle and long distance athlete Leading Women Sailor, Gayanthika Abeyrathna received a service promotion to the next higher rate of Petty Officer from Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne effective from today (02nd November 2021).

Gayanthika Abeyrathna set two Sri Lanka records in women's 1500m and 5000m on 30th and 31st October 2021, at the 99th National Athletics Championships held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. She finished the women's 1500m in 4 minutes and 9.12 secs (4: 9.12) and women's 5000m in 15 minutes and 55.84 secs (15: 55.84) becoming the national champion in both events.

The athlete together with her coach, Mr. GL Sajith Jayalal, Director, National Institute of Sports Science called on Commander of the Navy and President Navy Sports Board, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Navy Headquarters today. Having commended the athlete for her commitment and talent, Commander of the Navy gave her a service promotion to the rate of Petty Officer and encouraged her to achieve many more victories in the future for the motherland.

Women Petty Officer Gayanthika Abeyrathne joined Sri Lanka Navy in 2010 and has represented Sri Lanka Navy in athletics over the years. The women athlete has brought much credit to the Navy as well as the motherland throughout her athletic career. She has won a gold medal in the women's 800m at the 2017 Taipei City Asian Grand Prix in Taipei, a silver medal in the women's 800m at the 2017 Asian Championships in India, a gold medal in the women's 1500m at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and a bronze medal in the women's 800 meters at the same championship. Befittingly, she also clinched the award for the Best Sportswoman at the 2021 Navy Colours Awarding Ceremony.

Further, Commander of the Navy also heaped praise on her coach Mr. GL Sajith Jayalal, who was instrumental in coaching the athlete, and presented him a special memento in appreciation of his contribution for this achievement.