Paralympian Jayakody, Samanmalee shine at Indoor Para Nationals Rowing

PR1 Gold medallist Paralympian Mahesh Jayakody (C) flanked by SLPRA President, Kanchana Pradeepa de Silva (L) and 2022 Commonwealth Games Silver medallist Palitha Bandara   

By Susil Premalal 

Tokyo Paralympian Mahesh Jayakody and Dr. Samitha Samanmalee were the outstanding performers at the second National Indoor Para Rowing Championships at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.   

Jayakody representing the Special Task Force won the PR1 men’s 2000m race clocking 8:26.6 minutes while Samanmalee won the PR1 women’s race in a time of 12:19.0.   

Gajaba (men) and Sri Lanka Para Rowing Association (SLPRA) women’s teams emerged overall champions.   

Results:

PR1 Men: 1. J.A.M.P Jayakody (Special Task Force) 08:26.6, 2. M.D.T Dananjaya (Sri Lanka Light Infantry SC) 11:05.3, 3. R.D.S Sisira Kumara (Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Hospital) 13:02.8; PR 1 Women: 1. G.D Samitha Samanmalee 12:19.0, 2. W.A.D.L Sherlin (SLPRA) 13:34.1, 3. H.W.G.S Wijesooriya 18:47.6; PR2 Men: 1. HM Bimsara Udayanga (SLPRA) 10:04.0, 2. E.M.M.D Madawa Bandara (SLPRA) 10:34.1, 3. T.M.H.C Jayarathna (Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Hospital) 11:18.3; PR 2 Women: 1. M.H. Thilini Maneesha Hewage (SLPRA) 12:22.5, 2. Nirosha Kumari (Prithipura SC) 15:58.4; PR3 Men: 1. N.A.P. Nissanka 07.36.5, 2. T.M.N.G.J.P. Tennakoon (Gajaba SC) 07:39.7, 3. S.A.L Sampath 07:44.2; PR 3 Women: 1. K.D Dananjani (Rehab Lanka) 10:52.9, 2. W.M.D.D. Chandrathilaka (Athugalpura SC) 11:58.0, PR3 4x500 relay: 1. Gajaba Regiment Sports Club ‘A’ 28:58.7, 2. Gajaba Regiment Sports Club ‘B’ 30:08.7, 3. Sri Lanka Light Infantry Sports Club ‘A’ 30:31.0