Reported Journalist:Zamil Shafeek
Sri Lanka reigning national diving champions Vinudi Kankanamge of Visakha Vidyalaya and Ruel Wickramaratne of Royal College will spearhead the country’s challenge at the 12th Asian Age Group Diving Championships 2026 in Thailand.
The 10-member Sri Lankan team will compete against Asia top junior divers in one of the region premier age group competitions.Sixteen year old Vinudi Kankanamge has represented Sri Lanka at the World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships and is an international medal winner at the BIMSTEC Aquatics Championships, Singapore National Diving Championships and Asian Open Schools Diving Championships (Thailand).
Fifteen-year-old Ruel Wickramaratne has represented Sri Lanka at the Canada Cup Diving Championships and has won medals at both the Singapore National Diving Championships and the Hong Kong National Diving Championships. The squad also comprises Senith Perera (Thurstan College), Manudi Gunaratna (St. Bridget Convent), Giyanka Wickramasinghe (St. Thomas College), Sushen Wijesinghe (Elizabeth Moir School), Michaela Kurukulaarachchi and Nethanya De Silva (Bishop College), Nudam Ranaweera (Presidents College), and Nathan Rushen (Asian Grammar School). Giyanka Wickramasinghe and Sushen Wijesinghe are also medal winners at the Singapore National Diving Championships.
The Sri Lankan delegation will be led by Team Manager Chanaka Wickramasinghe (present national coach) and both Chanaka Wickramasinghe and Kasun De Silva will serve as the team coaches, while Akindu Samaraweera has been appointed as Sri Lanka official judge for the championship. Ms.Chamila Perera will serve as the lady chaperone.
Boasting a talented blend of experienced international competitors and promising young athletes, the Sri Lankan team heads to Thailand with confidence and determination, aiming to continue the country growing success on the Asian diving stage.
In the Picture – Seating Left to right – Ms.Chamila Perera (Lady Chaperone), Coach Kasun De Silva, Vinudi Kankanamge (Girls Captain), Major General B.M. Yahampath (President SLASU), Mahinda Liyanage (General Secretary SLASU), Ruel Wickramaratne (Boys Captain), Chetiya Wijeratne (Assistant Secretary SLASU), Chanaka Wickramasighe (Team Manager), Akindu Samaraweera (Judge) Standing Left to right – Nudam Ranaweera, Nathan Perera, Senith Perera, Nethanya De Silva, Manudi Gunaratna, Michaela Kurukulaarachchi, Giyanka Wickramasinghe, Sushen Wijesinghe
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