Western Province dominate National Sports Festival swimming

Western Province dominated the swimming championship of the 50th National Sports Festival 2026, winning 64 medals, including 26 golds, after three days of competition at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex in Colombo.

Western Province finished well clear at the top of the medal table with 26 gold, 23 silver and 15 bronze medals.

Southern Province placed second with six gold, four silver and five bronze medals, while Central Province finished third with two gold, five silver and 12 bronze medals.

Western Province’s R. Hiruki de Silva was named the Best Female Swimmer after winning the women’s 100m freestyle in 59.47 seconds and the 200m freestyle in 2:12.75.

Southern Province’s K. G. K. Y. N. de Silva was named the Best Male Swimmer after taking gold in both backstroke events. He won the 100m backstroke in 59.50 seconds and the 50m backstroke in 26.65 seconds.

Two new meet records were also set during the championship.

Western Province’s Rushalee Dissanayake established a new record in the women’s 800m freestyle with a time of 9 minutes 53.98 seconds.

P. K. M. Thenuwara, also of Western Province, set the other meet record by winning the men’s 50m freestyle in 23.85 seconds.

Thenuwara finished ahead of fellow Western Province swimmers M. F. Muhammed, who took silver in 24.44 seconds, and K. M. G. P. S. Wattaratenna, who claimed bronze in 24.97 seconds.

Sabaragamuwa and North Western Provinces each finished with one silver and one bronze medal.

Final medal table: Western Province – 26 gold, 23 silver, 15 bronze (64); Southern Province – 6 gold, 4 silver, 5 bronze (15); Central Province – 2 gold, 5 silver, 12 bronze (19); Sabaragamuwa – 0 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze (2); North Western Province – 0 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze (2).

Caption - Best Swimmers Hiruki de Silva and K. G. K. Y. N. de Silva with their awards