National 5km Open Water Swimming Championship for 2022 broke the waves in the sea off Coast Guard Life Saving Training School, Balapitiya.

The Annual national 5km Open Water Swimming Championship was conducted on 13^th March in association with the Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union. National swimming championships of 5km and 10km have been held up for several years due to the health concerns of COVID 19. Breaking long years of silent, Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard directed Life Saving Training School to extend fullest support to resume the championships in view of promoting long distance open water swimming events. This year 12th national championship was held for both men’s and women’s categories. Trophies awarding ceremony of the championship was graced by the Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard.

Dilanka Shehan of Sri Lanka Army was the first swimmer to reach the finishing line to win the men’s category followed by Ishara Abeyrathne and AMAS Abeysinghe while Seneshi Herath representing Visaka College, Colombo won the women’s title followed by Shehara De Silva and Dunithi De Silva.

The overall men’s championship was won by Sri Lanka Army followed by the Sri Lanka Navy and the third place secured by the Lion’s Swimming Club, Ambalangoda. The Dolphin’s Aquatic Club, Ambalangoda also won the women’s championship ahead of Visaka College, Colombo and the third place secured by Sri Devananda College, Ambalangoda.