Sehara Anuhansi of Sri Devananda College, Ambalangoda, dominated the Two-Mile Open Women’s Championship, while Dulaksha Ganidu of Lyceum International, Gampaha and Rushalee Dissanayake of Rainbow Aquatics triumphed in the under-15 boys and girls categories respectively of the 86th Mount Lavinia Sea Swim Championship yesterday.
The two-day event, organized by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union and sponsored by Mount Lavinia Hotel, witnessed intense competition in the sea.
Anuhansi, 20, clocked 47 minutes 38.83 seconds to take gold, beating 16-year-old Ginuki Tharulya de Silva of Leeds Aquatic Club, Panadura, who finished in 48:17.51. Last year’s champion, 22-year-old Angalie Agalawatte of Navy, settled for bronze with a time of 50:02.49.
“This victory means a lot to me. The competition was tough and I had to push myself to the limit. Winning this title is a dream come true,” said Anuhansi, overjoyed with her triumph.
In the under-15 boys category, 14-year-old Dulaksha Ganidu of Lyceum International edged out stiff competition to take gold in 45:22.84. Mark de Zylva of St. Joseph’s College, followed closely, securing silver in 45:31.88, while his 13-year-old teammate, Sakindu Pigera, clocked 45:43.32 to clinch bronze.
“It was a neck-and-neck battle from the start. I gave it all my best and I’m thrilled to be the champion,” Ganidu said after his hard-fought win.
Meanwhile, Rushalee Dissanayake of Rainbow Aquatics displayed sheer dominance in the under-15 girls’ category, finishing with a massive three-minute lead.
The Musaeus College swimmer registered 47:43.13, comfortably ahead of AN Sathsarani of Lyceum International School, Gampaha, who clocked 50:16.53 for silver. Bronze went to Keyara Ranepura of Musaeus College with a time of 51:48.73.
“I wanted to make an impact today and I did. This win is for my coaches and teammates at Rainbow Aquatics,” said Dissanayake, delighted with her commanding performance.
All three under-15 girls’ podium finishers train under Rainbow Aquatics, marking a significant achievement for the club.
The highly anticipated Men’s Open Two-Mile Championship will take place today (Sunday), followed by the awards ceremony.
