Long-distance runner Samarasinghe brought laurels to the country Daily News (via HT Media Ltd.)
Vijitha Kanda Lekamlage Samarasinghe, who represented Sri Lanka in the marathon at the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988, was born in Kuruwita on January 16, 1962 and was educated at Parakaduwa Narada MV.
He had participated in several athletic events under the guidance of his Games Teacher Nihal Fernando.
In 1983, he made his appearance for the first time in the National Marathon and was placed fourth. In 1985, he was placed second and in 1986, he won this event.
Thereafter, he came under the wing of Coach Lakshman de Alwis and went on to participate in several international marathons between 1986 and 1991. His best achievement was 2:16.00s at the SAF Games in 1987, held in Kolkata, India.