Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya underscored the importance of sports in fostering unity, discipline, and resilience, stating that the true spirit of sports lies not only in victory but in the values it instills.
She made these remarks while attending the closing ceremony of the 50th Annual Inter-School Swimming Championship, organized by the Schools’ Aquatic Sports Association, held on June 22 at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, the Prime Minister’s Media Division stated.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of sports in shaping students’ character.
“We must teach our children to embrace both victory and defeat with grace,” she said. “At a time when education can feel burdensome, sports serve as a powerful tool to instill leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.”
Dr. Amarasuriya also commended the talent on display, expressing confidence in the ability of young Sri Lankan athletes to shine on the global stage.
“It brings me immense joy to witness such impressive skill. I wish each of you the strength to carry Sri Lanka’s name to the international arena,” she added.
During the event, the Prime Minister presented awards to winners in various swimming and diving categories. St. Joseph’s College, Maradana, claimed the overall boys’ swimming championship for the 20th consecutive year, while Colombo Ladies’ College secured the overall girls’ title. Lyceum International School, Wattala, won the overall mixed schools’ championship.
In diving, Bishop’s College, Colombo, emerged as the overall girls’ champions, while Royal College, Colombo, clinched the boys’ title.
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.
