St. Benedict’s retain relay with record-breaking run

The Under 20 boys 4×400m Really Champions team of St. Benedict’s College comprising Kalana Jayamanne, Kaveesha Sriyan, Kavindu Jayamanne and Hiruka Prabath

By Susil Premalal

St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena once again reaffirmed their supremacy in Sri Lanka schools relay athletics by successfully defending the Sir John Tarbat Schools Athletics Relay Championship 2026 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Diyagama.

Competing against the country’s leading school athletes, the Benedictines produced another dominant display to retain the prestigious relay title, marking their fourth championship victory in the last decade.

They excelled across multiple age categories, securing the Under-12 Championship, finishing runners-up in the Under-14 division, while also claiming the Under-16 and Under-20 Championships to comfortably emerge as the overall champions.

St. Benedict’s also delivered two outstanding record-breaking performances during the meet. The Under-16 team established a new championship record in the Short Medley Relay with a time of 2 minutes 02.03 seconds, while the Under-20 quartet shattered the 4×400m Relay record by clocking 3 minutes 13.90 seconds.

The Under-20 performance was particularly significant as it established a new All-Island schools record, surpassing the fastest time ever recorded by a Sri Lankan school in the event at any athletics championship.

St. Benedict’s sustained dominance under the guidance of head coach Nuwan Abeywickrema.

The Benedictines concluded the championship with an impressive medal haul of four gold, eight silver and four bronze medals.