J’pura claims the overall championship at SLUG 2019

Sri Lanka University Games better known as SLUG, is considered to be the biggest Inter University Sports Festival of Sri Lanka. SLUG, which was first held at University of Peradeniya under the vision of Mr. Lesley Handunge, a former Olympic athlete, has been held every 3 years since 1980. University of Ruhuna, which hosted SLUG back in 1983, took immense pride in hosting the 13th Sri Lanka University Games for the second time in 2019.

SLUG 2019 which commenced on 26th August concluded yesterday (7th Sept) with grandeur. Former Sri Lankan Cricket Captain Kumar Sangakkara graced the Closing Ceremony, which was held at the Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium, University of Ruhuna from 2.30 pm onwards. Sports persons from all 14 universities were awarded trophies in appreciation of their achievements. Over 5200 participants from all 14 state universities, determined to take home the Championship, gathered at Ruhuna to give out the best performance in their respective events. The players competed in 35 events under 22 categories.

Table tennis players from University of Moratuwa became the champions in both categories, men and women. University of Jaffna became overall champions in the road race event. University of Peradeniya won men’s chess championship, while the women’s Chess championship was won by University of Colombo. University of Kelaniya was crowned as both Men’s and Women’s Karate champions. Sabaragamuwa University obtained the overall Volleyball championship, by being winners of both men’s and women’s categories. J’pura won both Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Badminton championships. In addition, they were able to win the Cricket, Baseball & Wrestling championships. Colombo won the Rugby and Hockey-Men’s championships, while Sabaragamuwa became Hockey women’s champions. The overall Men’s swimming championship was won by University of Ruhuna while University of Sri Jayewardenepura won the first place in the women’s category. University of Colombo and University of Kelaniya gained the Tennis Men‘s and Women’s championships respectively while University of Peradeniya earned the Weight lifting Championship. J’pura was placed first at the Men’s Elle championship, while Kelaniya won the Women’s category.

The extremely talented sportsmen from University of Sri Jayewardenepura were able to defend their title by being the Overall Men’s Champions at the SLUG 2019, for the second consecutive time. They proved their supremacy over the others by obtaining a considerable lead over University of Moratuwa, who were crowned as Overall Men’s Runners-up. Sportsmen from University of Peradeniya were able to win the title of Second Runners-up.

Once again, the ambitious sportswomen from University of Colombo were able to carry on their legacy by becoming the Overall Women’s Champions at SLUG for the 3rd consecutive time. They were able to set a new record in the SLUG history, by winning the Overall Women’s Championship for seven times. The girls from Colombo had a very close call in defending their championship but they gave a tough competition and lost the title by a small margin. The girls from University of Kelaniya were awarded as second runners-up.

The most anticipated award of the Closing Ceremony, the Overall Championship of SLUG 2019 was won by the sportsmen and sportswomen of University of Sri Jayewardenepura. It is their second time in returning home with the championship. University of Colombo was crowned as Overall Runners-up while University of Moratuwa became the Overall Second Runners-up.

The closing ceremony which was witnessed by a large gathering of sportsmen and women and distinguished invitees neared to its end with the lowering of SLUSA Flag and flaming off of the Olympic torch. The president of SLUSA handed over to the SLUSA flag to the Vice Chancellor of Eastern University .With the official declaration of the games closure by the Chief Guest, SLUG 2019 was successfully concluded.
Perabeats would like to congratulate all winners and participants, and extend our best wishes for the future.

Article by- Hirushi Ariyaratne

Edited by – Dinisi Nandasena