The inaugural Royal College–D.S. Senanayake College Water Polo Challenge Shield, will take place on Sunday, 16 August 2026, at the Royal College Union Swimming Pool, marking not simply a new fixture, but the beginning of an important new tradition in Sri Lankan school water polo.
When two schools with strong sporting cultures come together for this game, the significance of the occasion lies in what the encounter creates for the future. That is the spirit behind the inaugural water polo meeting between both institutions, which will bring together teams from the two schools across the U10, U12, U14 and U20 age groups. This recurring encounter intends to develop Water polo at both schools at Junior levels and strengthen the understanding of the game, contributing to the growth of water polo in Sri Lanka.
DS Water Polo
For D.S. Senanayake College, the fixture represents another significant milestone in the growth of a programme that has steadily established itself in Sri Lankan school water polo.
The school’s association with water polo dates back several decades, with players such as Nalaka Senanayake representing the programme during the 1980s before going on to captain Sri Lanka. However, the sport’s sustained growth at D.S. Senanayake College has gathered momentum since the early 2000s.
Today, DS water polo is emerging as a competitive force, with a young squad that has demonstrated both promise and character. The team’s performance at the recently concluded Novices Water Polo Tournament provided further evidence of that progress, while the continued commitment of its players, coaches and supporters points to a programme being built for long-term success.
Led by Captain Dhakshina Perera and Vice Captain Thushane Koralevidanghe, the DS squad has prepared diligently for the inaugural encounter, fielding teams from U10 to U20 age groups.
D.S. Senanayake College is coached by Mr Seevali Gurusinghe, who brings considerable water polo experience and coaching knowledge to the programme.
His background in the sport, particularly his experience in goalkeeping and defensive play, provides the current squad with valuable technical expertise and a deep understanding of the discipline, positioning and decision-making required at the competitive level.
For a developing sport such as water polo at DS, that experience is particularly valuable. The objective is not simply to prepare a team for one match, but to establish the foundations of a stronger and more competitive water polo programme in the years ahead. The inaugural Royal–DS encounter therefore becomes part of that broader journey.
A Royal Reply
Royal College will have quite the defense on their hands to save from any blushes on their home turf. They will also look to utilize the entire bench to test out combinations and tactics in preparation for the Royal Nalanda match in one weeks time and the Royal Thomian Match in four weeks time.
The Spirit of Water polo award is a new feature in this interschool Water polo match designed to have an emphasis on team play and discipline. The award will be judged by the Coaches of Royal College and DS Seneneyake College irrelative of the outcome of the game. The teams from U10 all the way to U20 will have the chance of being in contention for this award under the watchful eyes of both coaches.
The inaugural game marks a significant moment in Sri Lanka Water polo as more and more schools join in to this fast paced high adrenaline team sport. The thrill of scoring goals and having your team mates to back you up will be realized among a new generation of players taking up the sport from the age of 8 years old from both schools.
DJ and food stalls will add to the atmosphere with the papare band set to come in for the afternoon as the action heats up at Reid Avenue. The match will spark the beginning of a new brotherhood between two great colleges and the longevity of the match will play its part in producing better players for Sri Lanka Water polo.
Match Schedule
- 1:15p.m – U14 match
- 2:15p.m – U-10 Match
- 3:15p.m – U12 match
- 4:00p.m – Diving Display
- 4:15p.m – U20 match
DS Senanayake Team
Under 10
Yavindu Sheveen Nimsara, Yanura Jayaweera, Paraneetharan Mithilan, H. Ohas Dhanika Perera , Kenula Deesara, Onitha Ometh, Thehas Anujaya, Amr Ahamed
Under 12
Savidya Danuththara, Okith Vishwasiri, Onitha Lison, Okith Pabasara, Hasandu Ediriweera, W. Kaveesha Yasiru, Riveen Perera, M.A. Bonuka Ayashan, Ayyash Romis, Ruhindu Thathsilu Peiris, Yushantha Samarasingha, Inura Umith Jayaweera
Under 14
Khavish, A.K.D. Hirun Bometh Dinsara Perera, S.G.Danuja Dinupama, Thehas Perera, Sihandu Ediriweera, J. Krishen Aadharsh Haran, Aken Withana, K. Thisen Ahash Kethmin de Silva, Jegan Agaran, Dewsara Gagana, Sandev Sasmith, Sithila Deenuka, Sayum Senith Suraweera, Sehitha Dintharu
Under 20
Methula Deelaka, Dhakshina Perera, Vidusa Weerasekara, Sasen Silva, Senuka Lakdila, Wehan Aluthwala, Thushane Dilanka, Pramod Methsara, Dasis Sarathchandra, Yumeth Dissanayaka, Sihas Sarathchandra, Anuk Silva, Sandev Silva
Royal College Team
Under 20
Bihandu Katugampala, Imaad Ismath, Indeev De Silva, Lithum Karunasena, Tehan Gunatilaka, Tarik De Silva, Ramiru Aluthge, Yathish Perera, Madithya Liyanage, Sulaiman Shihar, Abdul Kareem, Dilk Rodrigo, Ammar Salim, Chesath Keenawinna
