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Susanthika cleared in drug charge

The disciplinary committee of the Sri Lankan Amateur Athletics Association on Wednesday cleared world silver medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe on a drug charge.

Susanthika, winner of the 200 metres silver at the 1997 World Championships in Athens, was suspended from international competition for failing a drug test under the aegis of the International Amateur Athletics Federation.

The Lankan committee, on a majority 2-1 decision, said that the charge had not been proved beyond reasonable doubt. With this, the Lankan star is now free to race again.

In 1997, Jayasinghe became the first Sri Lankan in 49 years to win a medal at an international championship, coming fractionally behind Zhanna Pintussevitch of the Ukraine, but shading race favourite Merlene Ottey.

She failed the drug test in April this year, and claimed that it was a consipracy against her.