Ladies’ College Under-19 Water Polo Team: Front Row (from left): Meha Balendra, Tharuki Kalansooriya, Ayahna Amarasinghe, Chrishel Robin, Shanessa Adams. Back Row (from left): Coach Isura Kahadawala, Rahell Dias, Treasa Adams, Karishma Hewavisenthi (vice captain), Kyasha Kulakulasuriya (captain), Seneha Warnakulasuriya, Sithaarah Zuhair, Kanishka Fernando (Coach), Irosha Fernando (Teacher-in-Charge). Not present – Aneeka Sumanathilake (vice captain).
Royal College and Ladies’ College emerged victorious in the 2023 Inter-school Water Polo Championships, organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Aquatic Sports Association (SLSASA) at the Air Force Swimming Complex in Ratmalana.
In the Boys Under-19 final, Royal College, led by Randa Ranatunga, claimed a walkover win as S Thomas’ College withdrew at the last moment, giving Royal seniors the title. In a thrilling match of last year’s Hayman Trophy, S Thomas’ College managed to retain the title as joint champions with Royal College. This success came after their victory in the previous year’s competition in 2022.
The journey to the finals, however, faced some unexpected hurdles. Initially scheduled for December 10, 2023, the event was postponed twice. The first delay was due to lightning, and the second was caused by venue fixing issues. Finally, the organizers rescheduled the finals for February 3.
A notable development in the competition was the withdrawal of senior players from S Thomas’ College, who had completed their Advanced Level exams and were considered overage for the Under-19 tournament. As a result, the team fielded only their Under-15 players in the finals, and had to concede a walk over to Royal College.
The General Secretary of the SLSASA Janaka Lal explained, “We invited them to participate several times, but they cited the unavailability of their athletes. After discussions with coaches and organizers, we fixed the last date for the finals.” Royal College didn’t stop there, securing the Under-15 Championship by defeating S Thomas’ College 9-1 in the final.
Ladies’ College dominated the Under-19 category, winning the title by beating Bishop’s College 9-0. Kyasha Kurukulasuriya captained the Flower Road athletes, supported by vice-captains Aneeka Sumanathlake and Karishma Hewavisenthi.
Ladies’ College showcased its strength with five Under-17 athletes – Rahell Dias, Treasa Adams, Sithaarah Zuhari, Tharuki Kalansooriya, and Chrishel Robin – set to represent Sri Lanka in the BIMSTEC Aquatic Meet in India. Notably, Chrishel Robin is the captain of Sri Lanka’s Youth Water Polo Team at the BIMSTEC.
In the Under-15 final, Bishop’s College secured the Championship by defeating Visakha Vidayalaya 9-5. This year brought double championships for Reid Avenue boys, with a significant representation in the Sri Lanka Youth Water Polo Team. Anuga Handunpathirana captains the Sri Lanka Youth team, and joining Royalists Vinuda Somakeerthi, Talal Baary, Bihandu Katugampala, Imaad Ismath, Saahil de Silva, Dinal Wellappili, Lithum Karunasena, and Ramiru Aluthge. This team departs for India today for the BIMSTEC Meet.
Sajeewa Jayakody