Those athletes whose names were not included in the eligible list of athletes to participate in the national athletic championship can appeal to Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) on or before December 8 of their desire to compete.
The SLA has cut down the list of athletes who will be called to participate at the national championship to be held from December 26 to 29 at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo. However, even from those who appeal will be shortlisted based on their eligibility to appear at the Championship.
The prevailing situation in the country has forced SLA to limit the number of participants in order to maintain health guidelines. Even the location of the Stadium is under lockdown and the SLA has to obtain permission from authorities to transport the athletes to the Stadium direct from Torrington.
As this event will the first and only athletic meet for the year, the SLA is determined to go ahead with the conduct of the meet before December 31. According to a rule by World Athletics, athletes performing at the national championship will earn them 100 bonus points that will enhance their world ranking points. This will also give them a chance to compete at the forthcoming Olympic Games.
Steeple Chase runner in the 3000m for women Nilani Ratnayake is the only athlete so far to be within qualification for the Olympics. She is in 30th position and a total of 45 athletes will be selected for the Olympics in this event.