Sri Lanka, Sept. 1 -- Western Province (WP) emerged Overall Champions while Central Province finished as overall runners up in the 49th National Sports Festival concluded at Dadalla Sports Complex, Galle yesterday.

Western Province dominated this Sports Festival collecting 83 gold, 55 silver and 71 bronze medals. Runners up Central Province won the 43 gold, 64 silver and 68 bronze medals.

Third place was won by Southern Province winning 33 gold, 52 silver and 46 bronze medals.

A A P Malshan of Western Province who finished the triple jump with a new meet record of 16.37m was adjudged the Best Men's Athlete while Sayuri Lakshima of Western Province who finished women's 400m with 56.40 seconds to was awarded Best Women's Athlete.

Wester...