Former long distance running star Major W.G. Ariyasena laid to rest

By Susil Premalal

The final rites of former long distance running great and retired sports officer of Ministry of Sports  Major W.G. Ariyasena were conducted yesterday (June 14) at the Koholanwela Public Cemetery in Matale, attended by a large gathering of athletics officials, former athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Major Ariyasena, who was 74 at the time of his death, passed away following a road accident on Saturday (June 13) while travelling on a motorcycle in his hometown.

One of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished middle and long-distance runners during the 1970s and 1980s, Ariyasena represented the country at the 1982 Asian Games in Nee Delhi India and the 1987 Asian Athletics Championships in Singapore.  He also held the Sri Lankan record in the men’s 1,500 metres from 1980 to 1989.

Ariyasena dominated the national marathon scene, winning the Sri Lankan marathon title consecutively from 1976 to 1980. He was also a multiple national champion in the 5,000m and 10,000m events between 1979 and 1984.

In the late 1970s, he joined the Sri Lanka Army, serving with the Sinha Regiment (Volunteer Force). In 1980, he was appointed as a Sports Officer under the Ministry of Sports and later continued to contribute significantly to athletics administration.

Apart from his achievements as an athlete, Ariyasena served for nearly 35 years as a technical official and athletics judge with Sri Lanka Athletics, remaining actively involved in the sport until his passing.

A resident of Naula in the Matale District, Major Ariyasena is survived by his two daughters.