"TRIUMPH IN THE WATER WAVES” THE 4TH INTER REGIMENT 2 MILE OPEN WATER SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP

The “4th Inter Regiment 2-Mile Open Water Swimming Championship of 2024” was an athletic prowess that showcase the strength and physical power of the Sri Lanka Army. The event exemplified the values of discipline, resilience and human spirit in the face of high tide waves. Hence, Sri Lanka Army swimmers navigated across the blue water during the 4th Inter Regiment 2-Mile Open Water Swimming Championship 2024 marking a thrilling spectacle of endurance and determination.

Aquanauts form various regiments gathered to showcase their aquatic prowess in the open water. The event organized and steered by the Sri Lanka Army Aquatics Sports Committee was held on 16 February 2024 at the costal belt of the Mount Lavania Beach. The occasion was graced by the Major General S P A I M B Samarakoon Hdmc Lsc the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army as the honorable Chief Guest.

Being the Chairmen of the Army Aquatic Committee, the Provost Marshal of SL Army and the Colonel Commandant of SLCMP, Major General A C A De Zoysa USP Hdmc Lsc, shoulder the charge of consolidating and executing of the competition with the approval of the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu.

The Commandant - SLAVF, Major General M K Jayawardena RSP VSV USP ndu, the Director General Infantry, Major General K P S A Fernando RWP RSP ndu, the Commander - SFHQ (West), Major General S W M Fernando WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, the Master General Ordnance, Major General A K Rajapaksa RSP, the Residential Manager - Mount Lavinia Hotel - Mrs. Tilome Nanayakkara, Center Commandants, Senior Officers, representative Officers from respective regiments and ORs were presented at the venue as witnesses. The championship's closing ceremony brought together participants, organizers, and spectators to honor the winners and acknowledge the dedication of all competitors.

The awards were presented to the following top performers among 261 (251 x Men and 10 x Women) swimmers in recognizing their exceptional skills and determination:

• Overall Championship (Men) - RHQ SLSR Team (61 Points)
• Overall Runner-up (Men) - RHQ SLEME Team (49 Points)
• Overall Championship (Women) - 3 SLAWC Team (56 Points)
• Overall Runner Up (Women) - 1 SLAWC Team (49 Points)
• Best Individual Swimmer (Men) - S/633269 Craftsmen Karunanayaka R J A - SLEME
• Best Individual Swimmer (Women) - S/R101845 Pte Shanthi A M P P - SLAWC
• Highest Aggregated Point Challenge Cup - RHQ GR and RHQ SLCMP Team (Joint Champions)

The event concluded with expressions of gratitude by the Chairmen of the Army Aquatic Committee, the Provost Marshal of SL Army and the Colonel Commandant of SLCMP, Major General A C A De Zoysa USP Hdmc Lsc, for the tireless efforts of organizers and volunteers who made the championship a resounding success.