Sri Lanka national high jump record holder Ushan Thiwanka Perera had a great start representing Texas A&M University in the United States (US) indoor season as he cleared a best height of 2.20 metres (m) at the Charlie Thomas Invitational Indoor Meet to secure first place in the men’s high jump event. Ushan became the Sri Lankan national champion in 2018, beating veteran Manjula Kumara by clearing a height of 2.18 m.
Ushan received support and guidance from former veteran Sri Lankan champion high jumper Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam, who also arranged a short training programme for Ushan in California in 2017 and pushed him to continue his career in the US.