Sri Lanka has never produced an Olympic open water swimmer, but all that could change with the rise of Dilanka Shehan. The 25-year-old swimmer is on track to change the country’s history in the sport, having recently earned a silver medal at the 20th Swim Miami Open Water Swimming Championship in Florida, USA.
This event, one of the largest open water meets in the region, served as a powerful platform for Shehan, who swam the fastest-ever 10km race in Sri Lankan open water swimming history, improving his time by an astonishing 12 minutes.
Shehan’s race, however, was not just a victory of time – it was a test of nerves, with a fierce final stretch deciding the winner. Both Shehan and the gold medalist finished the gruelling 10km race in an identical time of two hours, 12 minutes, and 15 seconds.
In open water swimming, the winner is often determined by the smallest of margins, with even a matter of feet enough to change the result.
In an interview, Shehan reflected on his remarkable progress, stating, “Compared to last year, I have improved my timing by 12 minutes. I was in sixth place in the same event last year, but this year I dropped almost 12 minutes and came second overall. It was a close finish, but that’s what makes the sport so thrilling.”
A journey of dedication
Dilanka Shehan’s rise in open water swimming has been nothing short of extraordinary. Not only is he the current national record holder for the Men’s 5km open water event, but his performances also signal the bright future of Sri Lankan swimming.
His latest achievements come after months of intense training under the World Aquatics Scholarship. Shehan has spent the last year training in Florida, USA, honing his skills for a single goal: to represent Sri Lanka at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The World Aquatic Scholarship, which he began in October 2023, is a game changer for Shehan, who trains under the guidance of world-class coaches.
The scholarship is awarded to the top 20 swimmers worldwide, and Shehan’s inclusion on that list has put him in rarefied company. His work ethic is evident, with up to three training sessions per day, including both swimming and dryland exercises.
“I strive to give my fullest every single day,” Shehan said with a hint of determination. “The path to the Olympics is hard, but I am fully committed to it.”
Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) General Secretary Mahinda Liyanage confirmed that Shehan’s World Aquatic Scholarship has been extended until 2028.
“We have successfully negotiated with World Aquatics to extend Dilanka’s scholarship for another three years, allowing him to continue his preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics,” Liyanage said.
“This is a huge milestone not only for Dilanka but also for Sri Lankan swimming.
“His dedication and performances have put Sri Lanka on the global map, and we’re confident that he will make history by qualifying for the Olympics.”
With this extension, Shehan now has the full backing to continue his intensive training program and represent Sri Lanka.
“I am extremely grateful for the continued support from SLASU and World Aquatics. This extension gives me the opportunity to focus even more on my training and move closer to my Olympic dream,” Shehan added.
From Nalanda to world stage
Shehan’s journey to the world arena began at Nalanda College in Colombo. It was there that he first discovered his passion for swimming, training under the guidance of coach Roshan Wijesighe.
He later trained under renowned coaches Wilson Sir and Nishantha Kariyapperuma, who helped him further refine his skills.
However, it was his time training under Sri Lanka’s Olympic legend, Julian Bolling, at Rainbow Aquatics that laid the foundation for his success.
Bolling, a household name in Sri Lankan swimming, helped Shehan develop a deeper understanding of the sport’s nuances.
Shehan’s dedication paid off in 2018 when he broke into the national swimming scene. He later transitioned to working under Nishantha Kariyapperuma once again, who also serves as the coach of the Ananda College swimming team.
But as his ambitions grew, so did the need for more focused training. In 2023, Shehan moved to Florida to take part in the World Aquatics Scholarship program, which has provided him with unparalleled opportunities and guidance.
In Florida, Shehan now trains at the World Aquatic Centre, working with some of the most respected coaches in the sport.
“The level of competition here is incredible, but it also pushes me to be better every day. I’m surrounded by some of the world’s best swimmers, and that motivates me to give my all.”
Olympic dream
Shehan’s journey is far from over. He has several key events on the horizon, each of which will bring him closer to his ultimate goal. After his success at the Swim Miami Open Water Championship, Shehan is preparing for the 10km race at the upcoming Mexico Open Water Championship in May.
He will then compete in the World Open Water Championship in Singapore in July. But it’s not just the World Championships that are on his radar.
Shehan also has his eyes set on the South Asian Games (SAG), which will be held in Pakistan in early 2026.
“These competitions are all stepping stones,” he said, “but my sole aim is to represent Sri Lanka at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in the 10km open water event.”
Shehan’s quest to break new ground for Sri Lanka is not just about personal achievement -it’s about making history for the nation. As he continues to train and compete, he is driven by the desire to become the first Sri Lankan swimmer to ever qualify for the Olympics in open water swimming.
“It’s something that Sri Lanka has never achieved before and I want to be the one to do it,” he said.
In addition to his training, Shehan has also been involved in several local competitions, where he represents the Ghefari Dulapandan Swim School (GDPSS) in Colombo.
Training under legendary swimmer Dr. Ghefari Dulapandan, Shehan has continued to refine his technique, ensuring that he is prepared for every challenge ahead.
As Shehan looks ahead to the next few years, his eyes are set on bigger prizes.
The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is the ultimate goal, but every race he competes in, every training session, and every step along the way is one closer to that dream.
