Swimmer Ramudi Samarakoon has made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan swimmer to receive a FINA scholarship, announced the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) on Tuesday.
At the age of 21, Samarakoon has been recognized with the scholarship for her exceptional performance, earning the highest FINA points. The scholarship will enable her to train in Budapest, Hungary, and pursue a three-year education program at Corvinus University of Budapest, all while focusing on her swimming training with an eye on the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris, according to SLASU.
Samarakoon, an alumna of Visakha Vidayala, has already etched her name in the national record books. She currently holds national records in the 50m, 100m, and 200m Breaststroke events in Long Course, as well as the 50m and 100m Breaststroke Short Course records. Representing Killer Whale Aquatics, she is also a key member of several relay teams that hold national records.
In addition to Samarakoon, Dilanka Shehan, a former student of Nalanda College, has also received a scholarship. Shehan, 24, will be heading to the United States of America for a one-year training program. He is well-regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s finest Open Water Swimmers, having clinched several championships in the 5km and two-mile swimming disciplines.
This historic achievement for Samarakoon and Shehan signifies a significant milestone in Sri Lankan swimming, as both athletes aim to make their mark on the international stage
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