The 73rd annual two mile swim:

Thamalsha, Sunethra swim to victory

Dilanka Mannakkara

Pasindu Thamalsha, the reigning champion of the men’s individual champion of the Thomlinson and John Wilson Challenge trophy put up a stunning performance to clinch his third successive win at the 73rd Annual two mile sea swim event held at the Mount Lavinia beach. Pasindu a student of Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda who has been dominating the men’s championships over the years, crossed the finish line with ease despite some tough competition from his opponents.

Sunethra Wijerathne of Mahamaya College Kandy pulled up a shocking win in the women’s individual championship for the Dr. H.T.Anthonisz and Dennis Flamer Caldera Challenge Cups when she beat the favorite and two time winner Chalani Dharshani of Dharmasoka College by a whisker.

In the men’s overall team championships for the Mount Lavinia Hotel Challenge Cup, Sri Lanka Army emerged worthy winners bagging 98 points while Dharmasoka won the runner up with 45 points and Royal College with 40 points was placed as the second runner up.

Dharmasoka College won the women’s team championship for the Chemical Industries and Colombo Mayor Challenge Cups by gaining 60 points. Visaka Vidyalaya with 34 points and Mahamaya College with 30 points were placed second and third respectively.

The brother and sister combination of Imesh Chathuranga of D.S Senanayake College and Sewwandi Perera of Visaka Vidyalaya won the Best Performers Awards for boys and girls in the under 14 age group. Imesh won the Bata Challenge Cup while his sister Sewwandi was awarded the E.G.A Wilson and Diana Challenge Cups for her Performance in the under 14 age category.

The 73rd annual Two Mile Sea Swim which attracted a large number of swimming enthusiasts was organized by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union and was sponsored by the Mount Lavinia Hotel.

Harindra Weerasinghe, the Resident Manager Mount Lavinia Hotel graced the occasion as chief guest and distributed the awards.