• International prodigy talks on global training, mental toughness, and the secret notebook she carries 

In the high-stakes world of sprinting, success is often measured in fractions of a second. But for Amasha De Silva, the journey from the hills of Kandy to the pinnacle of Sri Lankan athletics has been a marathon of resilience, discipline, and constant evolution. 

During her junior athletics days Amasha was once the South Asian Junior champion in 100m and 200m. 

She won silver at the Asian Championship in both her races held in Japan. She also won the bronze medal at the IAAF World Junior Championships, Finland in 2018. She is unarguably one of Sri Lanka's fastest women in history.

How does she intend to continue in 2026? Amasha recently blazed through the track to claim the National Short Course 60m title, proving once again why she is one of the most formidable sprinters in the region. 

However, Amasha is far from a one-dimensional athlete. A BSc Honours graduate from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, she represents a new era of Sri Lankan sports stars: the scholar-athlete.

Her path hasn't always been a straight line. From a life-changing disqualification in hurdles that revealed her true calling as a pure sprinter, to grueling training stints in Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, she has faced the highs and lows of elite competition with a trademark smile and a smiley-face notebook in her kit bag.

Guided by her longtime coach J.S. Weerakkody and supported by a strategic management team, Amasha is more than just a fast runner—she is a role model for young girls across the island, proving you don't have to choose between books and blocks. The Daily Morning Sport sat down with her to talk about the golden 60m start, the creative hobbies that keep her grounded, and the mother who has been her finish-line inspiration since day one.

Following are excerpts of the interview:

You've just won the National Short Course Championships 60m event, how does it feel to start 2026 on such a high note?

I’m really happy with the achievement—it’s a great way to start the year. Winning the Championship gives me a lot of confidence and motivation, and I’m really looking forward to the upcoming competitions.

When growing up in Kandy, was there a specific moment when you realised you were faster than everyone else on the playground?

Yes, I grew up in Kandy, and there was a turning point that really made me realise my speed. I originally competed in the 400m hurdles, and at the 2017 Junior National Championships I was disqualified due to a false start in the 400m. After that, my coach (JS Weerakkody) advised me to run the 100m at the same Championship. I went on to win the gold medal, and that was the moment we truly realised where my talent lay. Since then, my coach has focused on training me as a sprinter, and over the past nine years, I’ve won many gold medals in the 100m. So yes, I can definitely relate to that question.

Tell us a little about your school life and the fond memories?

I studied at Swarnamali Girls’ College, Kandy, from Grade 1 to Grade 13, and I have so many fond memories from my school life—my teachers, my friends, and all the experiences that shaped me. My school played a huge role in recognising my talent in sports and supporting me to balance both education and athletics successfully. Today, as a national athlete and a BSc honours graduate, I know that this journey began at my school. Amasha De Silva shines because of Swarnamali Girls’ College.

You've mentioned before that you weren’t always the ‘top’ junior athlete immediately—what kept you showing up to train during those early years?

Yes, that’s true. In my early years, I competed in the 400m hurdles, and while I did win national-level medals, I wasn’t considered the top junior athlete at the time. What kept me motivated was my belief in myself, the support of my coaches, and my love for the sport. I knew I had more potential to give, and that mindset pushed me to keep showing up to training and working hard every day.

If you could go back and give 15-year-old Amasha one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would tell 15-year-old Amasha to never give up and to enjoy every moment of the sport. Trust the process, stay patient, and believe that hard work will always pay off.

Sprinting is over in seconds, but the preparation takes years. What goes through your mind in that silent moment right before the starter gun fires?

In those few silent seconds before the gun, my heart is racing. I often close my eyes, focus on my breathing, and try to calm both my body and mind. It’s about finding that inner focus before everything happens so fast.

You’ve faced challenges, including returning to your peak form after training stints overseas. What is your secret to staying mentally tough when the results don’t come immediately?

Yes, I’ve had the opportunity to train abroad on two major occasions, and both experiences played a big role in shaping me mentally. Through the Foundation of Goodness (Kushil Gunasekara and Ashan Malalasekara) I attended a three-month training camp in Melbourne, Australia, where I gained valuable exposure and experience. Later, with the support of the National Olympic Committee, I trained for ten months in Trinidad and Tobago. That experience was unforgettable. I learnt a lot, trained hard, and met so many people who helped me grow as an athlete. Currently, I’m also engaged in the Gold March training camp, and it’s going very well. I’ve learnt not to expect results immediately. I always trust the process and respect my coaches’ advice, and that mindset is what keeps me mentally tough when results take time.

Who is the first person you call or text after a big race, win or lose? 

My mom.

Besides your spikes, what is one item you always have in your kit bag that people might not expect?

Besides my spikes, I always carry a small, smiley-face themed notebook in my kit bag. It’s something people don’t really expect. When I become friendly with someone, I sometimes hand it to them and ask them to write a little note about what they think of me. It’s a lovely keepsake and something that always makes me smile.

What is your favourite ‘cheat meal’ or Sri Lankan dish that you treat yourself to after a major competition?

Chocolate!

When you’re not on the track, what is a hobby or activity that helps ‘Amasha the person’ recharge away from ‘Amasha the athlete’?

That’s a good question. Away from the track, I enjoy activities that help me focus and quiet my mind, such as paper crafts—especially paper quilling—colouring, and writing notes. I like to spend long, uninterrupted time on these kinds of creative tasks. I also really value spending time in nature, just being present and peaceful. I don’t need anything else in those moments—it helps me fully recharge as a person.

We are told you’re not only a good athlete, but also good in your in your studies?

I think so. Sport is my main talent, but education has given me real value in my life. I’m at the Sri Jayawardenepura University of Sri Lanka and I come from a family that truly values learning—I have one brother and one sister who have both fared very well in their studies, and they always support and encourage me. Most importantly, my parents played a huge role in helping me balance both academics and athletics successfully. Their support made it possible for me to grow in both areas.

How important is it to engage in studies whilst being a top level athlete? And what advice would you give to upcoming athletes to have this balance? 

Sport has taught me so much. The challenges I’ve faced on the track have helped me tackle challenges in life successfully. These days, many athletes stop sport to focus on education, but I completely disagree with that. Sport actually encourages discipline and focus that can help with studies too. My advice to upcoming athletes is not to neglect either side—enjoy both your sport and your education, and work to achieve success in both.

You are an inspiration to many young girls in Sri Lanka. What is the most rewarding thing a young fan has ever said to you?

There have been so many moments, and I really enjoy reading them on my social media and hearing them in person. One special memory is when I visited my school after some big achievements—my younger schoolmates would come up to me for photos, signatures, hugs, and share sweet words. In those moments, I realise I’ve become a little hero for these young hearts, and I quietly enjoy that feeling with a lot of pride.

If you could describe your journey in just one word, what would it be?

If I had to describe my journey in one phrase, it would be: ‘Amma, I did it.’ It’s a tribute to my mother and her love and support that carried me through every step of my journey.

What's your message to all the budding athletes of our country and beyond?

My message is to give your best for your country. There’s nothing like the feeling of standing on an international podium representing your country—it’s beyond words. Stay disciplined, keep working hard, and enjoy the journey, because with dedication, you will succeed.

Elite sport today goes beyond training alone. How has having a structured management team helped you navigate competitions, training schedules, and opportunities?

Yes, elite sport today goes far beyond training alone, and as Sri Lankan athletes, we are still catching up in this area. Following my coach’s advice, I’ve been part of the Gold March Elite Training Program this season, which provides structured support at every level. I owe a big credit to Indika Nanayakkara, who brought in international coaching expertise and is quietly addressing the challenges we face. Having a structured management team like this gives us the guidance and resources to aim for future success.

Over the years, your career has been managed very strategically. How important is professional sports management in an athlete’s long-term success?

As an elite athlete, the role of a manager is extremely important at this stage of my career. I’m grateful to Sanjay Ganlath (The sports manager), who has done so much for us, providing support not only in training and competitions, but also in the social aspects of an athlete’s life. Through his guidance, I’ve gained sponsorships, opportunities to compete internationally, and stability in my career. Having a professional manager makes it much easier to stay grounded in society and build long-term success.0

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the Interviewee, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication