Colombo: Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that the goal of participating in sports should not be solely about victory, but the values of unity and the positive attributes that we can receive from the sports. The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the closing ceremony of the 50th Annual Inter-School Swimming Championship, organized by the Schools’ Aquatic Sports Association, held on June 22 at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

According to News.LK, during the event, the Prime Minister presented awards to winners in several swimming and diving categories. The overall boys’ swimming championship was won by St. Joseph’s College, Maradana, for the 20th consecutive year, while the overall girls’ championship was secured by Colombo Ladies’ College. The overall mixed schools’ championship was won by Lyceum International School, Wattala.

In the diving events, the overall girls’ championship was won by the team from Bishop’s College, Colombo, and the boys’ championship was secured by Roya
l College, Colombo.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister stated the importance of teaching children to accept both victory and defeat with equal grace. She remarked that even in times when education feels burdensome, sports have enabled students to develop vital qualities such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

The Prime Minister expressed her amazement at the talent displayed during the championship and conveyed joy in witnessing such a high level of skill among the young participants. She also acknowledged the pride that Sri Lankan athletes have brought to the nation on international stages and encouraged the young athletes present to carry the name of Sri Lanka to international arenas.

The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Education, members of the Schools’ Aquatic Sports Association, school principals, and representatives from Nestlé Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.