The Sri Lanka Lifesaving Team of 5 Lifesavers will take wing on the 23rd of September to represent Sri Lanka at the Lifesaving World Championships to be held in Riccione, Italy, from the 25th of September to the 3rd of October 2022. The competition is organized by the International Lifesaving Federation, also known as the ILS.
The ILS organizes the Lifesaving World Championships every two years, intending to showcase excellence in lifesaving sports and rescue, attracting the most talented and skilled lifesaving athletes to compete for the title of the world’s best.
The 5 member Sri Lankan team for Riccione 2022 includes 4 male athletes and 1 female athlete, and the team will be led by team Captain N. K. Manoj Kumara of Sri Lanka Police. He will take part in 2 events, namely Line Throw and 4×90m Beach Relay.
Joining Kumara, the team Vice Captain Akalanka Peiris of the Sri Lanka Army will take part in 6 events – 100m Manikin Carry with Fins, 100m Manikin Tow with Fins, 50m Manikin Carry, Line Throw (patient), 100m Rescue Medley and 4×90m Beach Relay. Peiris is a highlight of the team as he represents Sri Lanka not only in Lifesaving at world championships, but is also Sri Lanka’s highest FINA points ranking Swimmer who has represented Sri Lanka at Swimming World Championships and many other international platforms.
The rest of the members of the Men’s team – T. G. R. M. Sharika Neranjan and K. G. P. Priyashantha of Sri Lanka Police will compete in 3 events – 90m Beach Sprint, Beach Flag and 4×90m Beach Relay.
The only female athlete to represent Sri Lanka, L. K. G. K. K. Dassanayake of Sri Lanka Air Force, will take part in 4 events – 90m Beach Sprint, Beach Flag, Line Throw and 2km Beach Run.
Mr. Asanka Nanayakkara, the President of the Sri Lanka Lifesaving Association will take on duties as the Team Manager/ Coach. According to him, Sri Lanka hopes to reach the finals in Peiris’s 50m Manikin Carry and Line Throw (patient) events and Men’s 4×90m Beach Relay.
