Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that the true purpose of sports lies not just in winning, but in fostering unity and developing positive values among participants.
She made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the 50th Annual Inter-School Swimming Championship, held on 22nd of June at the Sugathadasa Stadium, organized by the Schools’ Aquatic Sports Association.
The Prime Minister praised the young athletes, stating that sports help students build essential qualities such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience, even amid academic pressures.
“We must teach our children to accept both victory and defeat with equal grace,” she said, encouraging sportsmanship and humility.
Dr. Amarasuriya also expressed her admiration for the talent on display and extended her best wishes to the athletes, urging them to carry Sri Lanka’s name to the international stage.
At the event, the Prime Minister presented awards in various swimming and diving categories.
St. Joseph’s College, Maradana, won the overall boys’ swimming championship for the 20th consecutive year, while Colombo Ladies’ College claimed the girls’ title.
Lyceum International School, Wattala, won the overall mixed schools’ championship.
In the diving events, Bishop’s College, Colombo, won the overall girls’ title, and Royal College, Colombo, secured the boys’ championship.
The ceremony 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.
