Adam’s Peak is clearly visible in the area for much of the year. The sound of the wind can be heard rustling among the tree tops in the Sinharaja forest. The waterfalls cascade to meet tributaries and gem mines abound in the Sabaragamuwa Province linked to both the hills and the plains of the country. According to folklore, it is also noted as a historical region during King Ravana’s time. Thus, we can say that anyone who is born in Sabaragamuwa is a special person.
Two brilliant athletes in recent history, W. Wimaladasa and Susanthika Jayasinghe hail from Sabaragamuwa.
Nilani Rathnayake, the steeplechase champ, is another leading athlete who hails from the same place. The Youth Observer met Nilani recently to talk about her athletic life.
“I had a dream from my childhood to become a famous athlete one day. Day by day it became a strong belief. At that time, I was a student at Batapola Primary School, Ratnapura. Suddenly, for the first time in my life, I had a chance to participate in a 100 metres race in the under eleven age group in school. I went for that race without any thought of winning. To my astonishment I won very easily. Following that win that I started dreaming of sports.
At that time, Nalaka Perera, a teacher in my school, encouraged me to do sports. He had entered me for zonal and divisional meets as well. But my father and mother did not encourage me in the beginning. They tried to disuade me from doing sports and tried to make me focus only on studies. Nevertheless, they did not succeed and my mother changed her mind after she got to know about my abilities. Later, I entered Sumana Balika Vidyalaya in Ratnapura. Because of travel problems they boarded me in the school hostel. It changed my life totally.
Change
I entered Sumana Balika hoping to become a sprinter. But I did not get a chance as were many girls more talented than me. It was by chance that my coach made me try the steeplechase event. I can say today that it was a correct decision. In the beginning I focused on developing my skills.
My coach inspired me to become successful at school sport meets. In the beginning, I focused on my main sport and other supporting events. Without any hesitation, I followed the guidance of my coach. I participated in the National Athletics Championships and won second place. It was a remarkable moment in my life which encouraged me.
Don’t withdraw
‘Life not a bowl of cherries’ is a famous idiom. Absolutely true. Life for me was not only wins but was also full of defeats. However, in the moments of defeat I never turned back. Whether it was a victory or a defeat I commenced my journey again. For example, after my Advanced Level examination I wanted to join a teacher training college but failed to gain entry and it broke my heart. But I believed that ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’. Then I joined the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) as a clerk. My unit is in the Jaffna peninsula.
Retired Major General Palitha Fernando and ace Javelin thrower, warrant officer Nadeeka Lakmali were positive influences in my SLA career.
They introduced me to the Army athletics pool and I got a chance to begin athletics training with the Army pool.
The first time I was able to set up a National record in a steeplechase event was in 2015. My coach Sajith Jayalal’s training helped me sharpen my skills. In the beginning, I finished my event with a time of over 10 minutes and my coach helped me to run in a lesser time. In the year 2018, I finished my race with a new Sri Lankan record - 9.46.76.
Losing Asian medal
Unfortunately, I lost a Silver medal in the Asian Championship held in Doha-Qatar last year. During the race at the last hurdle I slipped and fell down on the track. The contestants behind me finished the race before me. So, I lost a valuable chance to win a Silver. Medals were won by Bahrain, China and Bahrain respectively. It was another defeat in my sports career. There is a saying, ‘If you can forget troubles you can cure the mind as well’. I follow that advice in my life. Maybe, it can be my motto in life.
South Asian Games
In the past year, I could not enter the training pool for the South Asian Athletics Games (SAG) for the simple reason that the organisers did not include steeplechase in the Games. On the other hand, due to an injury I could not win the 5,000 metre race at the trials. However, Ace marathon athlete, Hirunika Wijayarathna decided to give up the 5,000 metres event and asked the officials to give me a chance to participate in the South Asian Games. 
Due to this I got a chance to enter the SAG pool. Unfortunately, Nimali Liyanarachi had an accident and also asked that I be nominated a substitute. Thanks to them, I had a chance to represent my country at the SAG and was able to win two Gold medals. I did it as a substitute athlete and the winning of those two medals made me proud of myself as an athlete.
Lost Olympic dream
I had a chance to participate in the Olympics this year but it has been postponed to next year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So, I hope to fulfill my ambition by participating in the Olympics next year.
Currently, I hold the 35th place in the steeplechase rankings in the world. I wish to stabilise and progress in the future. Finally, I say to youngsters that there are no shortcuts or easy ways to success in life. Try to overcome obstacles and barriers in your life. It is the only key to succeed in life.