The Athletic Association of Sri Lanka is expecting a turn up of nearly 500 athletes from the Northern and Eastern Provinces for the Junior National Championship which will commence at the Sugathadasa Stadium on today.

"A large number of athletes have registered from the Northern and Eastern Provinces for the junior national championship. Athletes representing our active district associations from Ampara, Vavunia, Jaffna, Trinco and Batticaloa will take part in the championship," Palitha Fernando, president, Athletic Association of Sri Lanka, told media at a briefing held to announce Sri Lanka Telecoms sponsorship for the event on Monday.

Fernando pointed out that the interest of athletes from the Northern and Eastern Provinces has increased since of late. "The interest of athletes from these areas has increased. They are even willing to spend huge amounts on airfare to come to these events. Their willingness to spend on airfare is a good indication that they are extremely keen in taking part in these events," said Fernando.

According to a press release, 498 athletes from those provinces have registered for the three day event and incidentally, the number is nearly one fourth the total number of athletes who will compete in the event.

The Athletic Association announced that around 2200 athletes will compete at the Junior Nationals which will also be a trial for the IAAF World Youth Championship.

The World Youth Championships will be held in Italy early next month.

The Athletic Association said that all athletes who reach the qualifying standards will be in the contingent for the Italy event. In the event none of the participants reach the qualifying standards, the selectors will opt for two athletes who will represent the country as wildcard entrants.