Srimali Samarakoon, hailing from Habarana in the Anuradhapura district, was introduced to weightlifting in an unexpected yet transformative way. She originally involved herself in athletics and volleyball and discovered her passion for weightlifting in Grade 6 when Nadeeka Bandara, a PTI at her school, introduced the sport.
Srimali Samarakoon
“When weightlifting was first introduced at my school by Nadeeka Bandara, I was fascinated. The power, discipline and challenge of the sport captivated me and from that moment, I knew this was my path,” Srimali recalled in an interview with the Sunday Observer.
In 2012, Srimali became the All Island Schools champion, setting the stage for her future success. The following year, she won a silver medal at the National Sports Festival. As she continued to excel, her first coach, Bandara, who is now the Assistant Principal of Dharmaraja College in Kandy, played a crucial role in her development. “My role model is my first teacher; he is also my coach. His guidance has shaped my career,” says Srimali.
When her coach transferred to Dharmaraja College in Kandy, Srimali moved schools as well, enrolling at Marathugoda Central College, where she continued her weightlifting journey. She completed her higher education at Mahamaya Girls’ College in Kandy before pursuing a degree in Sports Science and Management at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Srimali’s international career took off in 2015 when she won a silver medal in the 49kg category at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa. This was followed by a fourth place finish at the 2016 Commonwealth Championship in Malaysia. Her dedication and hard work paid off in 2019 when she won a silver medal at the South Asian Games in the 45kg category.
Her remarkable achievements continued as she clinched a gold medal at the 2021 Commonwealth Championship in Uzbekistan and another gold medal at the Singapore Weightlifting Championship in the 49kg category which served as a qualifier for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. At the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022, she achieved a personal best total of 152kg, finishing eighth in the 49kg category.
In 2023, Srimali set a Sri Lankan record in the Clean and Jerk with an 85kg lift, securing a silver medal at the Commonwealth Championship in India. At the World Championship in Riyadh, she finished seventh overall in the 45kg category, demonstrating her consistent performance on the global stage.
Despite her success, Srimali faces significant challenges, particularly in securing sponsorships. With her two-year contracts with Derana and Cargills ending, she is currently seeking new sponsors to cover her nutritional and supplement costs, which amount to Rs 75,000 a month. “The financial aspect is tough, but I’m determined to keep going. I train at Bandara’s gym in Pujapitiya, Kandy during weekends and follow his schedule at the campus gym during the week,” she explains.
Srimali is not just focused on her immediate competitions but has set her sights on long-term goals as well. She is preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championship in Fiji and has her eyes on the 2025 South Asian Games and the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Ultimately, her dream is to represent Sri Lanka at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. “My first goal is the next Commonwealth Games and my second goal is the 2028 Olympic Games. I am aware of the strong competition from countries like China, Japan, and India, but I am ready for the challenge,” says Srimali, who is determined to continue breaking barriers and setting new records for Sri Lanka.
The youngest in a family of three, Srimali may stand at just 146 cm, but she is a pocket dynamo, consistently lifting well above her weight. Her determination to achieve her goals is evident both in her athletic accomplishments and her academic pursuits and she is on the verge of completing her degree in Sports Science and Management with her convocation set for October.
Despite her petite stature, she has proved it time and again that her strength, both physical and mental, knows no bounds.
At just 24 years old, Srimali has already made a significant impact in the world of weightlifting. With a personal best of 65kg in Snatch and 90kg in Clean and Jerk during practice, she is pushing towards her targets of 70kg and 100kg, respectively. Her favourite technique, the Clean and Jerk, has been a key element of her success.
As she completes her degree and prepares for future international competitions, Srimali remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes in Sri Lanka, driven by her passion, dedication and the unwavering support of her coach and family. This formidable young athlete is unwavering in her pursuit of excellence, with her sights set on dominating the international weightlifting stage.Srimali Samarakoon clinched 8th place at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games
