Armed forces veterans swim meet 2025 held

The Sri Lanka Armed Forces Veterans Swimming Championship took place at the Army Physical Training School Swimming Pool in Panagoda on 5 April 2025, marking a significant milestone as the first event of its kind conducted by the Sri Lanka Armed Forces Veterans Association, now in its 80th year.

General Daya Ratnayake, former Commander of the Army, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, following an invitation extended by Lt Col Ajith Siyabalapitiya, President of the Association and Colonel Sujith Jayasekara, Secretary.

The championship witnessed the participation of 44 veterans’ associations from the tri-services, with 55 retired personnel competing. The Navy Divers Veterans Association emerged champions, followed by the Military Intelligence Veterans Association and the Military Police Veterans Association in second and third places, respectively.

Notably, the oldest male and female swimmers were G.P.N. Nanayakkara (73) from the Navy Veterans Association and B. Jayawardena (69) from the Military Police Veterans Association.

The event was organized by Major General Clifford De Zoysa,with the Sports President of the Veterans Association, Lt Col Janaka Ritigahapola, President of Sports Committee and other members , also playing a significant role in the event's success. Two Major Generals, Piyal Wickramaratne and Clifford De Zoysa   were notable participants and exemplified leadership throughout the competition.