COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Lyceum International School Wattala made history at the 48th National Age Group Swimming Championship, securing their first-ever Overall Women’s Championship title in school history. Hosted by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) at the Sugathadasa Stadium Swimming Pool Complex, the five-day event concluded last Sunday with Lyceum Wattala emerging victorious among 52 competing schools and swimming clubs.
Gathering an impressive total of 341 points, Lyceum Wattala became the first international school to claim the prestigious championship in the event’s 48-year history. Their remarkable performance surpassed traditional powerhouses like Mahamaya Girls College Kandy and Visakha Vidyalaya Colombo. This year, Lyceum International School Gampaha secured the runners-up and Visakha Vidyalaya claimed the third place.
Under the leadership of captain Poojani Jayaweera, Lyceum Wattala’s girl swimmers excelled clinching nine gold medals, 11 silver medals, and nine bronze medals. A notable highlight was Dilushi Dilshara’s outstanding performance in the Under-15 girl’s category, where she secured three gold medals and two silver medals, including victories in the 200m Individual Medley and 400m Individual Medley events to become the Under-15 Girls Champion.
In addition to Dilshara’s triumphs, Seyara Wijesinghe impressed in the Under-15 category, claiming two gold medals and a bronze in various butterfly events. Meanwhile, Sanuji Yehansa and Inuki Muthuhetti excelled in the Under-13 category, securing multiple silver and bronze medals.
Nawanjana Siriwardena dominated the Girls Under-20 age group with an impressive haul of four gold medals, three silver medals, and two bronze medals. Tevindee Methlini, who represents the Sri Lanka National Pool, contributed to Lyceum Wattala’s success with a gold, silver, and bronze medal each.
Behind Lyceum Wattala’s triumph is a dedicated coaching team led by former Olympic swimmer Julian Bolling as Swimming Consultant, with Mohamed Imran serving as Head Coach and assistants Sanjeewa Perera, Hazni Hamed, and Polwatta Kulaweera. Dirukshi Dalugama oversees the team as Teacher-in-Charge.
Reflecting on the historic achievement, Group Director Sameera Hewage attributed the success to a collective effort, highlighting the support of coaches, staff, Principal Mrs Stella Anton. At Lyceum schools, Head of Sports Lahiru Maduranga, Komalatharan Sinnathamby and Mrs Ivarin Perumal lead the Sports Department. They work hard to help all Lyceum schools do their best in sports. Their goal is to make Lyceum schools even better in sports.
Dr. Mohan Lal Grero, the founder of Lyceum International School, along with Dr. Kumari Grero, who coordinates as Principal, and Nikitha Grero, the Chairman of Lyceum Global Holdings, have a special approach to caring for the children in their schools. They treat them like their own kids, making sure they have everything they need to succeed. With Nikitha Grero’s vision, Lyceum aims to become the primary sports hub among schools in Sri Lanka.
In addition to the women’s championship, being a mixed school, Lyceum Wattala’s boys swimming team also secured a commendable third place finish, further establishing their position as a force to be reckoned with in Sri Lankan swimming.
Lyceum Wattala’s triumph highlights their commitment to excellence and the efficacy of modern training methods under the guidance of experienced coaches. As they enjoy in the glory of their historic win, Lyceum Wattala sets a new standard for swimming excellence in Sri Lanka.
Back Row (from left) Sehanya Jayasinghe, Mithuki Kodithuwakku, Dilushi Dilsara, Seyara Wijeysinghe, Ohasi Unsara, Navanjana Siriwardana, Danisha Danishki.
Front Row (From left): Yethumsa Athugampolage, Gayashi Gunasekara, Sanuji Yehansa, Inuki Muthuhetti, Poojani Jayaweera (captain), Rishini Kumarage, H.N.G Dewarya, Onadi Akinsa
