Ayomal Akalanka has delivered one of the biggest achievements in local athletics by breaking a 26-year-old national record and securing the country’s first-ever medal at the Asian Under-23 Athletics Championships.
Competing in Ordos, China, Akalanka clocked 49.03 seconds in the men’s 400m hurdles, winning the silver medal and rewriting the national record.
National Record Falls After 26 Years
The previous national record of 49.44 seconds had stood since August 2000, when Harijan Ratnayake set the mark at the Asian Athletics Championships in Jakarta.
Akalanka lowered the record by 0.41 seconds, a sizeable improvement in an event where fractions of a second often separate athletes.
Another Milestone for Local Athletics
The silver medal also became the country’s first medal at the Asian Under-23 Athletics Championships.
The achievement adds another milestone to Akalanka’s rapidly developing career.
He now holds the national records in the Youth, Junior and Senior categories for the 400m hurdles.
Rising Star Continues to Impress
Akalanka trains under veteran coach Anura Bandara.
Earlier in his career, he became the first local junior athlete to complete the 400m hurdles in under 50 seconds, recording 49.90 seconds at the All-Island School Games.
His latest performance further strengthens his reputation as one of the country’s most promising track and field athletes.
Sports Update Sri Lankan Made Proud
Last modified: July 12, 2026
