Kaveesha Dilshan of Kularathna MV, Godakawela, and Risansa Hirupama of Lyceum International, Wattala, were honored as the top athletes at the All Island Schools Games Athletics Championships, which concluded Tuesday at Diyagama.

Dilshan secured the best athlete title in the Under-20 boys' category with a standout performance in the 110-meter hurdles, clocking 14.02 seconds. Notably, his schoolmate Kishal Oshada was recognized as the best athlete in the Under-18 category. Both hurdlers, coached by Thiron Gamage, demonstrated clear superiority over their competitors in the sprint hurdles events.

Hirupama excelled in the Under-20 girls’ 200-meter race, finishing in 24.23 seconds. Her performance earned the highest points in the girls’ division, accumulating 1,026 points.

In team results, St. Joseph Vaz’s College, Wennappuwa, claimed the overall boys’ championship with a total of 118 points, finishing ahead of Maris Stella College, Thimbirigaskatuwa (95 points) and Rahula College, Matara (82 points). Established athletics programs such as St. Benedict’s, Kotahena, and Maris Stella, Negombo, both with 54 points, fell short of the top three.

On the girls’ side, Lyceum International, Wattala, dominated the competition by amassing 215 points. Dharmapala College, Pannipitiya (70 points) and Ave Maria Convent, Negombo (62 points) completed the podium positions. For the first time in over twenty years, Ratnayake Central did not place among the leading girls’ teams. The school faced setbacks due to a flu outbreak affecting many athletes, though improved performances over the final two days helped secure fourth place.

The championships showcased strong individual and team performances across the island’s schools, highlighting emerging talents in sprint and hurdle events.