The 53rd Ritzbury Sir John Tarbat Junior Schools Athletic Championship 2024, bringing together young athletes from schools across Sri Lanka, concluded successfully in Matara in an inspiring display of talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Proudly sponsored by Ritzbury, the event continues the brand’s legacy of supporting Sri Lanka’s school-level sports.
Organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association (SLSAA), the championship saw the participation of nearly 18,000 to 20,000 young athletes. Competing across age groups from Under 12 to Under 15, these aspiring sportsmen and sportswomen gathered from all regions of Sri Lanka. Demonstrating exceptional talent and determination, the athletes underwent a competitive selection process, with preliminary rounds held in Bandaragama, Embilipitiya, Batticaloa, Jaffna, and Wennappuwa.
In the boys’ category, Maris Stella College, Negombo emerged victorious as the winner of the Boys’ Championship with 82 points. St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena was adjudged the runner up with 67 points and St. Joseph’s College, Colombo secured third place with 42 points.
In the girls’ category, Lyceum International School, Wattala clinched the Girls’ Championship with 60 points, followed by runner up, Ave Maria Convent, Negombo with 51 points, and Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara in third place with 38 points.
D.A.S Samalka from Gonagala Maha Vidyalaya was adjudged the Best Male Athlete, with 824 points for U14 Long Jump 6.54m, while D. Rajapakse of Lyceum International School, Wattala received the award for the Best Female Athlete for the U15 Long Jump 6.04m with 1007 points.
A total of 11 new records were established demonstrating the dedication of the athletes. For the boys, in U 15, M Rajasinghe from St Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, for the Javelin Throw with 56.07M and in the Girls categories, also U15, D. Rajapaksha from Lyceum International School, Wattala established a new record for Long Jump achieving 6.04M.
Nilupul De Silva, General Manager – Marketing, CBL Foods said, “The 53rd Sir John Tarbat Junior Schools Athletic Championship continues to be a key event in the school athletic calendar. The inspiring performances from young athletes endorse our commitment to nurturing grassroots sports in Sri Lanka. Ritzbury is dedicated to providing platforms that enable young athletes to showcase their abilities and pursue sporting excellence.”
D.A.S.S. Wijesinha, President of Sri Lanka School Athletic Association noted, “The 53rd Sir John Tarbat Junior Schools Athletic Championship demonstrated the strong spirit of school athletics in Sri Lanka. With Ritzbury’s partnership, we have been able to maintain high standards, providing more opportunities for talented young athletes to pursue their dreams. Ritzbury’s sustained support has been crucial to developing Sri Lanka’s next generation of national athletes.”
The championship continues to serve as a vital platform for discovering and developing young athletic talent across Sri Lanka, maintaining its position as an important phase in the development of school-level sports.