Remarkable Musaeus defend National Lifesaving title
View(s):Under the steady leadership of captain Sinali Rajapaksha, the 15-member Musaeus squad made an impact in both the pool and beach events, leaving their rivals floundering. Sri Lanka Air Force finished as runners-up with 371 points, while River Life Saving Club took third place with 363 points in a hotly contested two-day event.
Musaeus College Lifesaving team
The women’s competition, featuring seven strong teams, was a battle of grit and determination. Bishop’s College fought hard to finish fourth with 327 points, followed by the Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Movement (265), Miracle Aquatic Sports and Lifesaving Club (94), and Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda (45), who completed the top six.
Musaeus College dived in headfirst during the pool events at the Sri Jayewardenepura University Swimming Pool Complex. From the first whistle, their athletes were in the fast lane, bagging one top finish after another.
In the 50m Manikin Carry, Vinuki Perera stole the spotlight with a gold medal finish, while teammate Sandali Sumathipala claimed silver, completing a one-two punch for Musaeus. Perera struck gold again in the 100m Rescue Medley, with Sumathipala adding more weight to the medal tally by finishing third.
The 100m Four Women Rescue was the highlight of the pool events, where Musaeus’ squad of Vinara Palihakkara, Dinuli Fernando, Chanumi Siyathra, and Kamashi Ranabahu delivered a golden performance, leaving their competition gasping for air. The 4x25m Manikin Relay was another golden moment, with Thisathmi Kanuwanaarachchi, Sandali Sumathipala, Vinuki Perera, and Oneli Ranaweera leading the charge.
If their pool performances set the pace, Musaeus’ dominance on the sand sealed the deal. In the 90m Beach Sprint, Sanuli Ranaweera dashed past the competition to take gold, while teammate Methmi Ukwattage crossed the line in third. Thenushi Kalawitigoda was a class act in the Board Race and Ocean Women event, scooping up two more gold medals to keep Musaeus in the driving seat.
The 4x90m Beach Relay capped off the championship, with the quartet of Chanumi Siyathra, Methmi Ukwattage, Sanuli Ranaweera, and Dinuli Fernando hitting the ground running and storming to another first place finish.