Schools Swimming and Diving Championships

By Dhammika Ratnaweera
Over 1,600 swimmers are expected to take part at the 34th Sri Lanka Schools Swimming and Diving Championships which is scheduled to be held from September 20 to 23 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. The tournament is conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Aquatic Sports Association (SLSASA) headed by new president Rohana Karunaratne.
One hundred and twelve schools have already confirmed their participation for this major event of the tournament calendar. Events in the age groups for boys and girls are under 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 will commence from 8 a.m. each day from Sept 20 to 23 while diving events will get underway from September 21 to 23 at the same venue.
“We are very grateful to our major sponsors Nestle Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the makers of MILO for their kind sponsorship of this tournament once again. From 1984 Nestle has been associated with SLSASA to conduct this tournament and without their support it would not have been possible,” said Karunaratne.

Karunaratne who is also the Secretary of the National Schools Sports Committee further said: “We are expected to make arrangements to give special training program for the school swimming coaches to develop this sport and we are specially focussing on rural areas.”

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the SLSASA Chinta Ruwanpathirana said: “We are planning to conduct the schools’ Waterpolo championships separately as as the swimmers have a busy schedule ahead of them.”
The opening ceremony of the Swimming and Diving Championships will be held on September 20 at 8 a.m. and Brand Manager of Nestle, Sameera Fonseka and Western Province Deputy Director of Sports, R.A. Kularatne will grace the occasion as guests of honour.

The closing ceremony will be held on September 23. Director Sports and Physical Education L.K. Jayaweera and Nestle Lanka External Affairs and Activation Manager Bandula Egodage will take part as chief guests.