The BENS Aquatic Championship 2025 – Inter-School Short Course Swimming Meet concluded with resounding success on 14 February at the Aquatic Sports Centre of St. Benedict’s College, marking the championship’s return after a remarkable 7-year break.
The prestigious inter-school event brought together leading swimming talent from across the island, showcasing exceptional standards of athleticism, discipline, and sportsmanship.
The championship once again proved to be a spectacular celebration of competitive swimming and Benedictine excellence.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests, adding prestige and inspiration to the occasion.
The chief guest, Department of Sports Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura Senior Lecturer Dr. Kaushal Manawaduthe, commended the young athletes for their dedication and commitment to excellence.
The guest of honour, the College Aquatic Centre Project Committee (2010) Project Consultant Dudley Waas, also addressed the gathering.
Among the Special Guests were Rev. Br. Granville Perera FSC, former Director of St. Benedict’s College; Carmel Xavier, former Teacher-in-Charge; and Ananda Amarasinghe, former Master-in-Charge.
Their presence, alongside distinguished Rev. Brothers, Principals, and Old Benedictines, greatly elevated the occasion and motivated the young sportsmen to aim higher in their athletic journeys.
In the relay category, De Mazenod College secured the Overall Relay Runner-Up title, while St. Benedict’s College – Colombo 13 emerged as Overall Relay Champions.
The organisers extended sincere appreciation to the College Administration, Beverly M. Fernando (MIC), his Assistant MICs, Head coach Kasun Warnaka, the coaching staff, organising Committee, and pool staff for their invaluable commitment and dedicated service.
The BENS Aquatic Championship 2025 not only celebrated victory but also strengthened camaraderie, resilience, and sportsmanship among young athletes.
Age group champions
The Championship witnessed outstanding individual performances across all age categories:
Under-9 Boys – Best Swimmer: S. Khail Shenal De Abrew (De Mazenod College)
Under-11 Boys – Best Swimmer: Diyon Ronal (De Mazenod College)
Under-13 Boys – Best Swimmer: Menuk Nethmitha (Wesley College)
Under-15 Boys – Best Swimmer: Yaatheesh Krishantha (Wesley College)
Under-17 Boys – Best Swimmer: K. Osanda Enosh Perera (St. Benedict’s College)
Under-19 Boys – Best Swimmer: Yousuf Latheef (Wesley College)
Final team standings
The final team standings reflected intense competition among participating schools:
5th Place: St. Joseph’s College
4th Place: Bens Aquatic Academy
3rd Place: Wesley College, Colombo
Runners-Up school:
De Mazenod College, Kandana – 388 Points
Champion school:
St. Benedict’s College, Colombo 13 – 503 Points