Chamasha Ekanayake’s surprise powerlifting triumph From Summer Vacation to National Record

Chamasha performing the deadlift

By Allaam Ousman 

When medical student Chamasha Ekanayake boarded her flight to Sri Lanka in early July, her plans were simple — enjoy her summer break and complete her medical clinicals at Warakapola Hospital. Competing in a national powerlifting tournament was the last thing on her mind.

“I didn’t know there were any competitions in July,” she recalled, still smiling at how it all unfolded. “I thought the nationals were in December.”

That changed almost overnight. A friend, a coach at Fitness Connection in Colombo, rang her soon after she landed. “He told me about a meet called Shakti in Wadduwa,” she said. “He warned me the conditions there wouldn’t be great, but said applications were open and closing on the 6th of July. I’d just landed on the 5th!”

She thought she had missed the deadline. “But my friend said, ‘Just send me your NIC, I’ll talk to the manager.’ I didn’t even realise he’d actually applied for me,” she laughed.

At the time, Chamasha wasn’t in competition mode. She had just lifted 160kg in Belarus in May and was still in recovery. “Between my hospital shifts and lack of training, I felt far from ready,” she said.

During her clinicals, she rotated through the PCU, then gynaecology and obstetrics. “The staff were amasing,” she said warmly. “They let me observe surgeries, write prescriptions, and really be part of the team.”

The turning point came when her friend and trainer, Jenosha Mendis — a Commonwealth, Asian, and Asian Powerlifting Champion — stepped in. “He told me I could hit big numbers if I just fixed my technique,” she said. Fitness Connection’s manager offered her free training time, but she could only manage two short sessions before competition day.

Chamasha with coach Harsh D. Peiris

“I decided just a week before. I wasn’t aiming high — maybe 155kg in deadlift,” she said. “I told Jenusha and my nutrition coach, Harsha (Peiris) Ayya, that I just wanted the Sri Lankan experience.” Harsha put her on a strict meal plan to cut from 59kg to the 57kg weight class.

Two days before the meet, she got unexpected help from Sahan Wishvika — a National Junior Record Holder and Asia and Africa Powerlifting Champion. “He spotted me at a small gym in Mirigama where there were no helpers,” she said.

The Shakti meet took place at the Moronthuduwa sports pavilion. “The conditions weren’t great — no proper changing rooms, limited equipment — but the competitors gave it their all,” she said. In her category were two other lifters, including Rishi Thajudin, a two-time national record holder with an impressive 72.5kg bench press.

Chamasha opened her deadlift at 145kg, then matched Rishi at 155kg. “Because I weighed less, the national record went under my name after my second attempt,” she explained. “I wasn’t planning to try 160, but Jenusha and Harsha told me to put on my headphones and trust them. I didn’t even know the weight until afterwards — 161.5kg.”
She nailed the lift.

Chamasha with coach Jenosha Mendis, Chamasha with her certificate and medal

“It was my first time competing in Sri Lanka — and I broke the national deadlift record,” she said, still sounding amased. “My whole family was there cheering. It was so unexpected.”

Born and raised in Mirigama, Chamasha moved to Belarus for medical school, where she is now entering her fifth year. Alongside her studies, she has built a sporting career that began in athletics before transitioning into powerlifting under the guidance of Belarusian coach Alexander Kodis. “He’s the one who really lifted me up in this sport,” she said. “And I couldn’t have done this without my parents’ constant support.”

As for what lies ahead, she’s keeping an open mind. “My university starts again on September 1st, so I’ll see if my body’s ready for the Winter Games in Belarus in December or January. Maybe I’ll rest for six months — I’ve been pushing myself non-stop.”

For now, she heads back to Belarus with more than she expected — a national record, unforgettable memories, and proof that sometimes the best victories are the ones you never planned for.

Chamasha warming up