Akalanka makes history for St. Peter’s College

Akalanka Peiris of St. Peter’s College created history by setting up five new meet records to crowned as the Champion Swimmer while helping Peterites to bag overall runner-up shield in the recently concluded Junior National Short Course Swimming Championship worked off at the D. S. Senanayake College Swimming Pool Complex.

Akalanka emerged winner with new records in all five events he has participated including U-14 open 100m butterfly stroke (1: 04 : 51 Sec), 100m back stroke (1: 08 : 00 Sec), 50m butterfly stroke (00 : 28 :08 Sec), 50m back stroke (00 : 30 : 69 Sec), 50m free style (00: 26 : 86 Sec).

Akalanka Peiris earlier proved his excellence by becoming the Champion Swimmer of Pentathlon Championship, Sri Lanka Schools Swimming Championship and the National Age Group Championship 2011.

He established four National Records and was the first Peterite to be crowned as a swimming Triple Champion.

It has been a remarkable achievement by Peterites to emerge runner-up just five points away from the Overall Champions. In the 4 X 50m medley relay event Peterites consisting of Akalanka Peiris, Dewin Ranasinghe, Rasitha Perera and Tharushe Galappaththi won the first place. In the 4 X 50m free style relay the team consisting of Akalanka Peiris, Nimesh Wimalasiri, Rasitha Perera and Tharushe Galappaththi coveted the second place. St. Peter’s College experiencing a great swimming era thanks to invaluable services of Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel, the Rector of St. Peter’s College, and Rev. Fr. Lakmin Prasanga Silva, the Sports Co-ordinator.

The swimmers appreciated the dedicated service of their Master in Charge Jude Denzil Fernando and his assistant Sujeewa Dias. They also thanked their coaches Mahi Chandralal, Upul Wijithasiri and Rajinda Perera for their expert guidance.

The champion lads payed their gratitude to the school swimming pool Management Committee, Sumal Perera, the Manager and the swimming pool staff for their selfless service.