Sirimavo and Piliyandala Central clinch victories at Vidudaya Ritzbury Interschool Swimming Champion

At the Vidudaya Ritzbury Interschool Swimming Championships concluded recently at the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, the girl’s team from Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya in Colombo and the boy’s team from Central Swimming Club in Piliyandala emerged as victorious champions. The much awaited championship was held at Sri Lanka’s largest swimming pool when Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) partnered for the first time with the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, with the long-term aim of uplifting school swimming in Sri Lanka. Ritzbury, Sri Lanka’s number one chocolate brand manufactured by CBL has won the hearts of the nation by sponsoring multiple sports over the years to encourage school children.

The girl’s team from Piliyandala Central Swimming Club emerged runners up in the championship while the male runner ups were the team from Zahira College, Colombo.  Competitors were able to vie for placements in the junior and senior age groups.  The Under 9 girls champion was Limondy Thushanya from CH Swimming Academy with M.M. Eknaligoda from CH Swimming Academy achieving first place among Under 9 boys category.

Under 11 girls champion was Sanaya Nanayakkara from Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda and the Under 11 boys winner was Sasmitha Wattaranthanne from Aqua Style Swimming Club.  In the Under 13 age group, Rithmi de Silva from Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo and Shehan Siriwardene from Pilyandala Central Swimming Club emerged winners.  The Under 15 girls Champion was N.H. Anakali de Silva from Dharmashoka Vidyalaya , Ambalangoda and among the boys, the top achiever was N. Sarja Ahamed from Zahira College,Colombo.  The Under 17 girls winner was Medani Panagoda from Rainbow Aquatics Club while S.D.S Dylon Fernando from High Techniques Aquatics Club came first in the boys under 17 group. Among the ladies, Divyanjali Prabha from Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya and among the men S.N. Dissanayake from Dharmaraja College Kandy were the under 19 champions.

Ceylon Biscuits Limited, the makers of Ritzbury chocolate, was the sole sponsors of the championship organised by the University of Sri Jayawardenepura.  The championship attracted over 2000 swimmers from over 100 schools and sports clubs. It was held on 27th and 28th January at the pool complex of the University.