Maris Stella Thimbirigaskatuwa, Lyceum Wattala clinch Western Province Schools Games athletics titles

At the close of the Western Province Schools Games athletics championship held at Diyagama on Friday, Maris Stella College from Thimbirigaskatuwa and Lyceum International School from Wattala were crowned the boys' and girls' overall champions respectively. Maris Stella College showcased a comprehensive performance to claim the boys' title, with St. Benedict's College from Kotahena securing the runners-up position and Maris Stella College from Negombo capturing third place.

The achievement of Thimbirigaskatuwa school was notably highlighted by Deesara Herath, who was declared the boys' Best Athlete after an impressive 7.49-meter leap in the Under-20 long jump event. Also, Maris Stella College demonstrated its prowess in sprinting by setting a new meet record in the Under-18 boys' 4x100m relay, with the quartet completing the race in a swift 42.4 seconds.

Their strength was further emphasized in the relay events where the team finished as the overall runners-up. In contrast, Lyceum International School from Wattala emerged victorious in the girls' competition, largely propelled by Risansa Nirupama's standout performance. Nirupama was awarded the girls' Best Athlete after delivering a remarkable 24.49-second run in the Under-20 200m event.

The championship saw an array of outstanding performances from both Herath and Nirupama, further enhancing Maris Stella College's successful campaign with their meet record in the Under-18 4x100m relay.